I own several different entry level Chinese DAPs and it's always interesting to see what a new model can do differently or improve upon compared to the others. There are a few characteristics that they have in common, things like dim, low resolution screens, illogical button/navigation configurations, varying degrees of sound quality and for the most part very good battery life. So of course when I had the chance to test the IQQ C18 I was very keen to see what it had to offer. Well after using this as my daily player for several consecutive weeks I think I have a pretty good idea and am now ready to share my thoughts with you, the reader. Read on to find out how the IQQ C18 performs.

Disclaimer

This sample was provided to me for the purpose of an honest review. I am not affiliated with the company or seller and all observations and opinions here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product.

The IQ C18 is currently selling for $69 and can be purchased from Penon Audio.

Penon homepage: http://penonaudio.com/IQQ-C18

Penon on AliExpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/1994049

Technical info

I'm just going to briefly cover some of the main specs here. For the full list you can check on Penon Audio (see the links above).

At the heart of the C18 is a RKNanoD-N. The RKnanoD is an ARM Cortex-M3 based microcontroller for Wireless Audio, MP3 player and IOT applications. It can support up to 24 bits 192k Hz sample rate lossless audio and DSD256. Display comes in a 2 inch TFT screen with a resolution of 320 * 240. There is 8GB of onboard memory and the player supports MicroSD (TF) card, up to 128GB.

Packaging and accessories

Content arrived in a plain white box, strangely without even any branding on it and just "HIFI Music Player" printed on the front. When you open it up you see the player under a layer of protective foam sitting in a cardboard section. Under the player is a USB charging/data transfer cable.



Build and design

The C18 has an all metal body (2 colors, gold and silver available as far as I know) that has a nice texture and feel to it. It sits nicely in your hand, feels pretty durable and is also resistant to fingerprints and scratches which is good because there is no protective case provided or available at all. Overall the quality feels good but one thing to note is that the corners and top and bottom edges of the device are quite sharp. It has a good weight to it making it feel substantial yet not heavy.

The front panel starts with the 2 inch screen at the top which is surrounded by a thin black border. The next thing that catches your eye is the control or navigation wheel, consisting of a central metal button surrounded by a rotating rubberized section. The rubber provides a great grip allowing you to spin the wheel around easily with your thumb or finger. You can use this wheel to scroll up and down in the menus/lists.

Running down the left side are 3 buttons: M (menu), Rewind/back and Fast Forward/next. Just below the screen on the right side is the Back button used for going back to the previous screen in the menu or you can do a long press to return to the main menu screen.

The left side of the player is bare and on the right side you'll find the Volume control buttons.



On the top are (from left to right) Power button, Line out, Headphone out.



The bottom has (from left to right): Micro USB charge/date transfer port, Reset button and Micro SD card slot.



User Interface

Let's start with the screen. Although the resolution is low text is fairly clear and easy to read. Album art is supported and while the images are small they look pretty good. The Now Playing screen has a whole bunch of information including:

• current volume
• headphones connected icon
• track number/total tracks
• playback mode
• storage capacity
• bit-rate/sample rate
• artist
• album name
• genre
• track info and format
• progress bar

Brightness is not great so the screen can be difficult to see outdoors and near impossible to see in direct sunlight. There are a few reasons to have this type of screen, namely they require little processing power, extend battery life and keep costs down but it would be really great to see manufacturers adopt some better screens in the near future.

There are two interface styles available for the UI which is a nice addition. Style one uses blue as the primary color and the main menu is in a horizontal layout. Style two uses orange as the primary color and its main menu has a vertical orientation.

Speed of the interface is a little sluggish in comparison to some other budget DAPs (NiNTAUS X10, Mrobo C5) and suffers a little from input lag when navigating. It's a bit frustrating but not crippling, actually it's quite similar to the FiiO X1ii.

The control wheel has a good feel to it with stepped rotation but sometimes one click on the wheel will jump two lines on the screen. Perhaps a future firmware update might be able to improve this somewhat.

Settings are fairly basic as you'd expect and similar to what other budget DAPs offer. Unfortunately there's no support for gapless playback but what bothers me more than that is the lack of breakpoint resume. Now it gets a little hazy because breakpoint resume actually IS supported but only when playing from the built-in memory. So I guess that would be handy for audio books and such but if you plan on using a SD card for your files then it's something to keep in mind. If previously playing from a storage card the player will boot to the main menu and you'll need to start from scratch.

One feature of the C18 which you don't often see in the entry level players is lock screen button function custimization. You can choose which buttons are usable while the screen is turned off. The available options are:

• basic playback (play/pause/FF/Rewind/volume)
• volume only
• all disabled
• all effective

Overall the UI functions quite well, the only caveat being the occasional input lag. It's easy to navigate around and do what you need to do and as long as you're not in very bright sunlight you can see what you're doing.



Sound

This is an area where the C18 does better than some of its competitors in my opinion. The sound is clean and transparent with good separation. To my ears it has a neutral sound, neither boosting or lacking anything in its dynamic range so what you'll hear is dependent on the tuning of your earphones or headphones.

There are several EQ presets available and a custom setting is also an option. The presets include:

• normal
• bass
• heavy
• pop
• jazz
• unique
• equalizer (custom setting)

Battery life

Crazy good. During normal use you can get around 55 hours playtime out of a single charge which is exactly what is stated in the specifications. Very impressive. You can get a full charge in about 3 hours.

Comparisons

vs NiNTAUS X10 ($59-$65 USD)

Dedicated volume buttons on the IQQ give it a leg up. The rubber control wheel on the IQQ grips really well under your thumb but the big difference is that turning a single click on the NiNTAUS' wheel corresponds with a single line jump compared to the C18 which will often jump 2 lines per click. UI responsiveness goes to the X10 as it's much livelier than the somewhat sluggish C18. The NiNTAUS is bundled with a protective silicone case and it also supports breakpoint resume although the implementation isn't ideal. Both have exceptional battery life.

When it comes to sound there's not a great deal separating these but the C18 sounds a little cleaner to my ears. The IQQ has slightly less bass roll-off as can be seen in the graph below.


Green = IQQ C18. White = NiNTAUS X10. Unloaded test.
vs Mrobo C5 V2
Build quality hands down goes to the Mrobo with its tank like construction and smooth corners and edges. The C18 has a better screen with higher res and larger album art. UI is faster and more responsive on the Mrobo. I'd say the sound is slightly better on the IQQ, with it being more transparent and not altering the original harmonics in recordings. Battery life is near identical with both being capable of 50+ hours of music playback on a single charge. There's very little difference overall in the capabilities of these DAPs and choice would come down to the little details or features that are most important to the user e.g. breakpoint resume or better screen etc.

Conclusion
Just like the previous budget DAPs that I've tested the IQQ C18 is a solid performer in context of the buying cost. The battery life will outlast any smartphone on the market and it supports all the common lossless file formats including DSD256. The screen does a good job of displaying information and album art so long as you're not in direct sunlight and it has a clear, transparent sound signature with additional EQ options to customize to your preference. Overall it's a good alternative to the X10 or C5 V2 with the only major drawback being no breakpoint resume support. For the asking price of $69 it's a great option especially if you need something that can go many consecutive days without need of a charge.

I seem to be saying this a lot lately but it seems there is a never-ending supply of new earphone manufacturers coming out of China, making everything from ultra low budget single dynamics to TOTL priced multiple BA behemoths. Weizawa Technology is one of those newly formed companies. Today I'll be looking at their first product, the Whizzer A15 single dynamic earphone.

Disclaimer
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I am not affiliated with the company or seller and all observations and opinions here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. Thanks to DD-Audio for the sample.

The Whizzer A15 currently retails for $69 and can be purchased from the DD-Audio Store on AliExpress.


Specifications
Driver: 10 mm Beryllium Dynamic
Sensitivty: 98dB
Impendence: 16ohm
Frequency response: 4-25000Hz
Cable Length: 1.2m
Packaging and accessories
I'm going to say up front that the accessories bundled with the Whizzer A15 are a step above most other IEMs at this price point and it all starts with the box. It's a smooth, high quality cardboard that feels like something you'd expect with a premium product. On the front is a clear image of the earphones with the name in a large print at the top. On the back is a list of some of the features and an exploded diagram of the internals. When you open the magnetically sealed cover there's a large, glossy brand logo on the inside cover and then there's the earphones and accessories. There's a bit of a WOW factor the first time you see it and it's really quite impressive.

What's in the box

• Whizzer A15 IEM
• x3 pairs of silicone "reference" eartips (S, M, L)
• x3 pairs of silicone "transparency" eartips (S, M, L)
• x2 pairs of foam tips (M, L)
• box of anti-dust dampers
• aluminium forceps for removing and inserting dampers
• warranty card
• user manual
• detachable MMCX cable
• protein leather semi-hard carry case

The ear-tips are secured on a nice aluminium plate that also doubles as a little stand for convenience or display. The carry case is made of pleather and seals magnetically. It's a perfect size for holding the earphones and fits nicely in your pocket.

On to the cable which has rubberized sheath on the top end and is cloth covered below the Y-split. At the top is some pretty stiff memory wire and the male MMCX connectors. The Y-split is metal and there's also a metal cable cinch. There are good strain reliefs at all the necessary points and the cable terminates in a 45° degree, gold-plated 3.5 mm plug. The cable is of good quality like everything else included but I had a very difficult time with it due to the stiff memory wire and angle of the connectors that just would not allow me to get a proper fit no matter how hard I tried. In the end I switched it out for a third party cable I had laying around. This might only be an issue for my personal ear anatomy so I'm not going to deduct any points as it will likely be fine for most people.



Build, comfort and isolation
The A15's casings are constructed of lightweight stainless steel and are really nicely crafted with smooth edges all around. There's a bit of weight to them - obviously more than plastic casings but they're still fairly light (much lighter than the TFZ Balance 2M). On the outer side is the company's logo and the inside is bare except for an air vent/bass port. The overall finish is very nice and the gap between the two halves of the casing is barely noticeable. I don't want to sound like a broken record but everything that comes in the box is top quality.

This is a really comfortable IEM and I have no problem wearing the A15 for hours on end. They don't feel heavy or have any pressure build up and the rounded casings are ergonomic.

Isolation is above average, assuming you're getting a good seal with your selected ear-tips. These are perfect for noisy environments and use in transit and block out a lot of external noise.



Sound
Sources used for testing
IQQ C18

Acoustic Research M20

PC/MusicBee > Sabaj D3 DAC/amp

Amping
This IEM will sound good out of almost any source as its easy to drive with an impedance of just 16 ohms and high sensitivity of 110dB so a smartphone or budget DAP will have more than enough juice. As always though, with different sources your mileage will vary and my personal preference for the A15 is a neutral or brighter DAP.

Summary
The A15 has a "fun" type of tuning with an accentuated bass along with plenty of warmth and musicality thrown in. I wouldn't say it's V-shaped as the top end seems relatively linear so perhaps something more like an L-shape would better describe it. That's not to say it's all about the bass though as it remains fairly balanced and the midrange while not being forward is not greatly recessed either. The beryllium driver shows plenty of agility in the treble as well.

Detail
So the bass is boosted here there's no doubt about that. They're certainly not a basshead IEM but they're well north of neutral and can bring it in spades when called for. It's not particularly fast or snappy, rather the attack on bass notes is a little slow resulting in a softer edge. I wouldn't call it boomy but more a little woolly. Don't take this as a bad thing though because it makes for a smoother listen and adds a bit of fun factor.

In the midrange the Whizzer is rich and smooth making vocals and stringed instruments sound natural with a warm resonance, expecially in the lower range. Female vocals can get pushed a little behind the lower end but things like guitars and orchestral music sound lush and musical. Separation and details are pretty impressive considering the amount of bass they are competing with. At times it almost sounds like a hybrid or double dynamic as the mids and highs rise up bringing detail out of the bassy foundation. There's no hint of graininess in vocals and everything sounds natural and lifelike.

The treble is one of my favorite things about this IEM. It's well extended and plays a great part in lifting music up above the heavy bass. There's a real airiness to it that adds a sense of space and dare I say a hint of shimmer in the top end. Sibilance is not an issue so bright tracks and crashing cymbals won't be a problem if you're sensitive to treble. This is one of those earphones that finds the perfect balance between lift and edginess and continues to impress me every time I listen to them.

Soundstage is pretty decent thanks to that airy treble but overall its fairly average for a sub $100 IEM. It really depends a lot on the recording as bassy tracks will sound more intimate due to the A15's tuning. Similarly imaging is good but takes a hit when there's a lot of bass in the track.

*Just out of curiosity I decided to remove the anti-dust dampers to see if the sound was affected. I could be wrong but to my ears this seemed to tighten up the bass a little and open the top end up a bit more. I also noticed after I had removed the dampers that there's actually a metal grill in the bottom of the nozzle as well so prevent ear wax and debris getting into the casings. The description of the sound above is with the dampers IN.

Comparisons
vs Veedix NC50 ($56 USD)
The NC50 has a thinner/colder midrange and a closer to neutral and snappier bass. Both have good extension in the treble and neither of them gets abrasive in the high frequencies. For my ears both of these are very comfortable and perfect for long listening sessions. Although the Veedix has a good accessory bundle the A15's is crazy good. I think they're both great sounding and good value.

vs SHOZY Zero ($60 USD)
Well here is the Zero making another appearance. The Whizzer has more bass and is much warmer in the midrange. The recessed treble on the Zero gives it a darker sound overall despite its cool mids as the Whizzer has got some really nice, airy treble going on. When it comes to accessories the SHOZY isn't too bad. It comes with a pretty handy carry case and different sized ear-tips but again overall the package doesn't come close to the A15. These two have very different sound signatures and are both competent in their own ways but the Whizzer's overall package makes it seem like better value to me personally.



Conclusion
This was another earphone that took me by surprise. Knowing that this was the company's first attempt at an IEM I felt pretty certain that there would have to be some rough edges at least in the construction but I'm not averse to admitting when I'm wrong. The quality of the A15 is stellar to say the least. It's a shame that the same can't be said about the cable's memory wire but that might be completely subjective as there's a good chance it will work perfectly for other people so I won't be deducting any points for that.

The packaging and accessories are top notch and when you add that to the quality of the IEMs themselves in terms of build and sonic abilities it makes you wonder how some other companies arrive at their pricing plan. Sure it's not the most refined sound out there but it's definitely up there with most others I've heard in the same price bracket. The Whizzer A15 is a sleeper IEM that in my opinion deserves more recognition amongst enthusiasts. If you like a good dose of bass and some warmth in the mids then you really should take a look at this one, you won't regret it. The future is looking bright for Weizawa Technology.

"Freedom of expression is the matrix, the indispensable condition, of nearly every other form of freedom." Benjamin Cardozo



Introduction

Based in the Xi'an Economic and Technological Development Zone, Matrix digital is a brand that has gained significant global coverage in the digital audio sector. Utilizing advanced research facilities and professional audio testing equipment they aim to pursue optimal product quality with excellent service and reasonable prices.

Today I'll be taking a look at the HPA-2 Classic headphone amplifier, which according to Matrix's website

"is the improved model of HPA-2, the optimized circuit design, new style appearance, exquisite processing technology and excellent performance to make it better."

Disclaimer

This sample was loaned to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The HPA-2 Classic has a MSRP of $289 and is available for purchase from popular audio sellers and of course Matrix's own online store. I'd like to thank BKK Audio for the loan unit.

Official Matrix website: http://matrix-digi.com/en/index.html

The full list of specifications can be found on the official website: http://matrix-digi.com/en/specifications/102/index.html



Packaging and accessories

The HPA-2C comes in a fairly plain white box with nothing but "Matrix Audio" and a QR code printed on the front. On the inside we find the unit wrapped in some protective material and held securely in a white foam inlay. Apart from the DAC/Amp there's also a user manual, power cable and USB cable. Not a lot there but it's all you need to get things going out of the box and helps to keep prices more reasonable for the consumer.



Build and usage

The first thing you'll notice about the HPA-2C is it's BIG. It was like pulling an engine block out of the box. It's pretty hefty too, weighing in at a solid 1.22kg. You'll want to have a decent amount of desk or table space available for this. Once you get over the shock caused by the size, the next thing to note is that this is a very nicely machined chassis. There's a single Matrix audio branding logo on the top leaving the rest of the surface clear. The sides of the chassis are slightly concave and lined with two rows of ventilation slots running from front to back and it's a good thing too because this baby gets very warm when in use.

The front panel is a lovely, thick and sturdy slab of aluminium, again nicely crafted with all smooth edges and polished to a sheen finish. On the panel (from left to right) are the 6.35 mm headphone jack, a blue power LED, an input select switch. These are all in a nice little recessed section that separates the section and makes the panel a bit more interesting to look at. Finally there is the volume knob. The headphone jack is nice and tight and feels very secure when plugging headphones into it. Fortunately the LED is very small and not too bright so most of the time it goes unnoticed unless you're looking directly at the front panel. The select switch also feels of a high quality and is used to choose between USB and Analog signal inputs. There is a small U and A next to the corresponding switch position but the text is very small and difficult to see unless you're in a really well lit area but it's unlikely to cause anyone grief. The volume knob is textured and nicely weighted giving you firm control and precise adjustment.

Populating the back panel (from left to right) are a USB input, High / Low gain switch, analog RCA input, analog RCA output, power switch and 3 pin power socket.

Getting things going is a simple matter. Plug in the power and USB or analog source, stick in some headphones and you're good to go. Just make sure the input select switch is in the right position first. For Windows users you'll need to install the Matrix driver to get it working with your PC (supposedly this won't be necessary much longer as Windows is soon adding native support for USB DACs).



Sound

With an output impedance of 10 ohms these aren't really geared towards driving sensitive IEMs and it shows with a noticeable buzz/hum. With higher impedance headphones the buzz disappears but it was still present on sensitive full-sized cans.

The CIRRUS LOGIC CS4398 DAC has a great sound that is transparent and lively, delivering music in an energetic and engaging fashion. I had good results using the built-in headphone amplifier and also when using the line out to my FX Audio 1002A amplifier and speakers. Instrument separations is fantastic as is soundstage. There might be the slightest bit of smoothing in the DAC's output. The CS4398 has selectable fast and slow roll off digital interpolation filters and in my opinion Matrix has made good implementation of its capabilities.

For the amp stage, well I briefly touched upon it above but basically you don't want to be using it with anything overly sensitive. Extension of highs and lows is on point and with some good headphones delivers a truly enjoyable experience. With the Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro (250 ohms) there's no evident background noise and I found anywhere between 40%-60% volume on Low gain was plenty enough power to drive these. Low gain output = +6dB and High=+15dB (160mW at 600ohms) so on paper the HPA-2C should be able to power just about anything you throw at it.

With the Ultrasone Performance 860 (32 ohms, SPL: 94 dB) I didn't detect any buzz while on the MSUR N650 (32 ohms, SPL: 105dB) it's immediately noticeable so as long as you're using something that isn't too efficient you should be okay but take that with a grain of salt. Speaking of the Ultrasone, they sound nice paired with the Matrix with good soundstage and load of details but seems a little "on edge" for lack of a better term. The pairing of the DT990 worked better overall for me, sounding effortlessly smooth yet full-bodied and energetic at the same time.

Comparison

Audinst HUD-MX2 ($200 USD)

The HPA-2C has a more energetic and airier sound while the HUD-MX2 has a smoother, more laid back presentation. Both have good power output but the Matrix pulls out ahead with some impressive specs. Besides, to utilize High gain on the Audinst you need to actually open up the chassis to make the change. The Audinst fares better with sensitive IEMs which aren't really viable with the Matrix due to the constant buzzing. Both units get pretty hot when in use. The Audinst has a much smaller footprint so occupies a lot less desk space. So easy recommendation would be: for use with IEMs it's Audinst all the way and similarly for full sized headphones the Matrix is the way to go. If you want to use IEMs and headphones the Audinst should do the trick unless you have some seriously hard to drive or inefficient headphones.

Conclusion

The HPA-2C is a beautifully crafted beast of a DAC/headphone amplfier. For those wanting something to hook up to a computer for full sized headphones at a reasonable price this would be a great choice. It is a fine sounding amp and not too hard on the eyes either. It would be nice to have an additional 3.5 mm headphone jack added to the front panel - there's certainly enough room for one. At $289 I think it does really well and where sound quality is concerned I personally prefer the Matrix to the HUD-MX2 and possibly the more expensive JDS Labs The Element. If you're looking and this is within your price range it's definitely worth considering.

There is a huge number of sub $20 earphones available to consumers right now and many of them come from Chinese manufacturers. Some brands have become iconic on Head-Fi, like KZ and Venture Electronics (VE are technically earbuds, I know) and there seems to be a never ending supply of new ones popping up in the market. For some reason they all seem to think what people want is "powerful bass" or "heavy bass" and "fever bass!!". For the most part, they deliver with earphones that have big, loose, floppy bass, washed out midrange and feeble treble. Every now and then something different comes along and that's where the Seahf AWK-009 comes in. But does different mean better? Let's find out.

Disclaimer
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I am not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. The AWK-009 can be purchased from Penon Audio for the price of $14.99: http://penonaudio.com/Seahf-AWK-009-IEMs

Packaging and accessories
The AWK-009 comes in a slim, black rectangular box with a transparent window on the front through which you get a view of the earphones inside. On the left side are some safety instructions and over on the back are the specifications in several languages. Once opened you find the earphones seated in a foam insert along with some spare sets of silicon ear-tips. At the bottom of the insert is a space where the cable is wrapped up and a little bonus in the form of a shirt clip. It's a simple yet effective package and falls in line with what you'd expect for something at this price. The earphone is available in two colors, namely black and red, with and without microphone for a total of four variations. The version I'm reviewing is black without mic.

Specifications
Frequency response 20Hz-20kHz
Sesnitivity 102±2dB
Impedance 16Ω
Plug 3.5 mm gold-plated
Cable length 1.2 m
Weight 16g



Build, comfort and isolation
These are a traditional barrel-shaped IEM but are a little smaller than average. The metal housings are black with gold nozzle and a small gold highlight at the back. On the inner side of the housings are L or R denotations making it super easy to know which side is which. Excellent! On the outer side is some Seahf branding. The finish is very smooth and build quality looks really good.

Where the cable joins the housings is an excellent strain relief that should do a good job of protecting the internals in the event of a cable snag. The cable itself is actually really good. It's supple, smooth and doesn't have any kinks or bounciness. Thickness above the Y is sufficient and feels durable. The cable terminates in a 45° gold-plated plug which also has a very good strain relief. Overall this cable is much better than most you'll find on most ultra-cheap IEMs and the only better one I have come across is on the QKZ W1 Pro. Microphonics are considerable but are almost impossible to escape when dealing with housings this small and besides they can be greatly reduced by using the included shirt-clip.

Of course with something this small and type of shape these are very comfortable. There are no sharp edges or ridges, everything is polished and smooth so these can be worn for long periods easily. Their light weight also means you'll hardly notice they're there most of the time.

In terms of noise isolation these are pretty good for something so small but of course a great deal will depend on how good a seal you're getting. As always finding the right tips is crucial for isolation and getting the best sound.



Sound
Sources used for testing
IQQ C18

Benjie X1

Acoustic Research M20

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Amping
At 16 ohms it makes sense that these do not require amplification. They can be driven by pretty much anything but you might get the best results depending on which source you're using. Due to their inherent brightness a warmer source is my preference here.

Aggressive is how I would describe the sound of this earphone. On first listen it was quite a shock to be bombarded up and down the dynamic range by these little chainsaws. It's almost like all frequencies are on steroids and competing with each other for your attention. They lean towards bright but that's not saying they lack anywhere else - they just have loads of everything.

The bass can thump and it can rumble. With fast attack and decay these have a punchy and well-controlled bass that does a good job of balancing out the brightness of the AWK-009 at least to an certain extent. Even on heavy bass driven tracks like "Mol" by Connect Ohm the upper frequencies still manage to stay out in front. This is a really nicely executed low end more refined than what I usually expect in earphones at this price point.

In the midrange the Seahf surprises again being quite forward with good resolution and revealing a lot of detail. It's a little on the thin or analytical side of things but vocals sound great and remain clearly distinct amidst the din. Female vocals don't fare quite as well though because of the dryness in the higher ranges but overall it's pretty impressive what the AWK-009 brings to the table.

The treble is where things start to go awry unfortunately. HOT is how they come across up top. They're not sibilant but the high notes are lanced into your ears with a vengeance. This aspect makes the 009 very genre or track dependent. Listening to Katatonias "The Racing Heart" is amazing....until you get to the chorus where the constant clashing of the cymbals lance into your ears with malicious intent. The snap of certain drum snares can also be a little unpleasant, hence why I think these are track dependant. I find them particularly good for ambient, folk and EDM music.

Soundstage is not spectacular, rather fairly intimate but the 360° positioning is accurate. In Solar Field's "Random Friday" the swirling electronic noise in the beginning of the track can clearly be heard rotating all around you without any noticeable gaps or missing areas.

Comparisons
vs MEMT X5 ($18 USD)
The Seahf has a tighter, punchier bass than the X5. Midrange is a bit warmer on the X5 and when A/B with the Seahf can sound a little muddy in comparison. Up top the MEMT is a lot more forgiving making it a more laid-back and less fatiguing listen. There's no clear winner when it comes to comfort, both being small and lightweight and the accessories are similar with each offering. Technically the Seahf comes out ahead but I think both are great value IEMs and good value for money.

vs KZ ED9 - brass filters ($11 USD)
The KZ has has a very flat/neutral low end meaning significantly less bass (with brass filters) than the Seahf. The ED9 is well known for its natural sounding mids and this is an area where the Seahf also score high points. When it comes to the treble the KZ is much smoother and less strident than the Seahf. Both have great build quality though I find the Seahf to be easier and more comfortable to wear as they're smaller and lighter. Choosing between the two I'd say ED9 for mids and Seahf if you like more bass. Things get a lot more complicated if you include the ED9's gold filters but it seems that the general consensus is most people prefer the brass and with the latter in place their sound signature is a lot closer to the AWK-009.



Conclusion
The Seahg AWK-900 is a good little earphone for the price. With a little less emphasis on the lower treble it could have been great (for me that is). It's built really well, is very comfortable and a nice change from the more common V-shaped sound signatures we're used to in the budget segment. If you like a bright sound these are definitely worth checking out as they offer something unique and are technically very capable. It will be interesting to see which direction Seahf goes from this point.

Disclaimer

This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The Veedix NC50 has a MSRP of $56 and is available for purchase from the Veedix audio Taobao store and AliExpress.

About Veedix: Veedix is a recently formed company hailing from Shenzhen, China. The NC50 is their first product release.


Specifications

• impedance 16 ohms
  
• sensitivity 120dB
• 6Hz-25000Hz
• cable 1.25 m
• driver 9.3 mm dynamic

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

On the outside of the box is a cardboard sleeve in dark gray with an image of the IEM on the front side. On the back side is another image but this one is aligned horizontally. I'm guessing that this is so the box can be positioned upright or on its side on a shelf. Not really relevant to an audio review perhaps but it does suggest that the developer is paying attention to detail in the design which hopefully will carry over to the product itself. On the sides of the box are specifications and inline control functions. Underneath the sleeve is a quality black box with the brand name on the top in silver print.

Once you open the box you're presented with a single side of the IEM secured in a sheet of black foam. Next to that is the circular carry case with a metal Veedix badge attached to the top. It's an unusual yet interesting presentation and by this stage my expectations were ramping up because it was obvious that so far each element of the packaging had been carefully thought out and the early impressions are premium.

Inside the carry case is where you'll find the cable, secured in a wonderful real leather cable tie and the other ear-piece along with extra ear-tips and shirt clip. The case is a semi-hard zippered type with a mesh pocket on the inside, handy for storing your accessories.

What's in the box:

• NC50 IEM
• detachable MMCX cable
• 3 pairs silicone ear-tips (S, M, L)
• 1 pair foam ear-tips
• shirt clip
• user booklet (1x Chinese, 1x English)
• carrycase
• genuine leather cable tie

The cable is a coppery brown color which has a good thickness to it and feels pretty robust. Its fairly resistant to tangling and doesn't have any kinks. There's a metal inline control with microphone above the Y-split. The Y-split and cable cinch are also metal, as is the straight, gold-plated 3.5 mm plug. On the Y-split and plug are Veedix branding that can only be seen up close. There are excellent strain reliefs from top to bottom so the cable should be pretty durable.




BUILD, COMFORT AND ISOLATION

The IEM housings are quite small, constructed from plastic and are very lightweight but feel well built and have no visible flaws. They have a rubberized coating that's really smooth and feels great. On the outer side is a recessed metal grill with a honeycomb pattern and Veedix branding. On the inner side is a L or R denotation which I always appreciate and is something a lot of manufacturers neglect to add. Although there is no visible vent or bass port these IEMs don't cause pressure buildup like some fully closed housings and there has not been any sign of driver flex whatsoever.

The nozzles have a good length with a nice bump on the end to keep the ear-tips secure. Standard nozzle size makes tip rolling easy which is fortunate for me because I found all the supplied tips too small for my ears.

When it comes to comfort these are superb. The rubberized coating makes them feel very natural in your ears and along with their light weight and all smooth edges it's easy to forget they're there at all. There's also no memory wire in the cable so it just rolls over your ears and doesn't cause any discomfort. The profile of the shells is also very low profile making them perfect for lying on your side. These are easily one of the most comfortable IEMs in my collection and there have been times when I realized I'd been wearing them long after the music had stopped playing.

Noise isolation is average to slightly above average for a UIEM depending of course on the seal you get with your selected tips. These are ideal for noisy environments or use in transit.



SOUND

Sources used

• IQQ C18
• Benjie X1
• Acoustic Research M20
• Samsung Galaxy Note 5

Amping: Absolutely not necessary with these. They sound great plugged into anything but as with all things you'll benefit from a higher quality source.

General: The NC50 is is nicely balanced and musical. It leans a little toward the bright side but the treble is not abrasive or uneven. Bass has just the right amount of thump to drive beat heavy music without intruding into the overall presentation. The midrange is beautifully clear and natural. Instruments and vocals alike sound vibrant and lovely. Wonderful, subtle details.

Bass is north of neutral but not enough to be problematic.. It's not at all bloated but is quite fast, has a nice texture and is not trying to be the star of the show. There's no noticeable bleed, keeping the midrange clean an unaffected. Sub-bass extends well with an ability to rumble and should be enough to satisfy you unless you're a certified basshead.

The midrange is really well executed and rich yet maintains great clarity throughout. Guitars, vocals and strings are all presented naturally without becoming congested. There's no muddiness or over-saturation in the lower mids and this allows the details to stand out but there's still enough warmth for full-bodied male vocals. Female vocals also shine and aren't drowned out by the lower range notes.

Treble is nicely extended but is still smooth enough for me to listen to Utada Hikaru's "Traveling" with it's inherent sibilance and Dr Dre's "It's All On Me" at moderate volume without piercing my brain with shards of ice. It doesn't have a great deal of sparkle but there's certainly enough to keep balance with the mids and treble, giving the overall sound signature a nimbleness. Timbre of cymbals and high hats is on point and sound true to life.

Soundstage is actually pretty good and there is plenty of depth but the stereo imaging is very precise, providing a good representation of positioning of elements. With certain tracks these IEMs can project sounds well, giving a sense of the recording space.

Comparisons

vs Whizzer A15 ($69 USD):

The A15 has a slightly darker sound than the NC50, with more bass and a thicker midrange. Both have good, airy treble and surprisingly good detail. When doing A/B comparison there's a noticeable difference but after a short brain adjustment period there's a lot of similarity between these two. When it comes to build quality I can't find a fault with either, although I prefer the Veedix's cable as it doesn't have memory wire. I'd easily recommend either of these IEMs and I think most people would be happy regardless of which one they chose. Having said that the Whizzer is a little heavy on the bass for my personal preference. The other consideration would be the metal construction of the A15 vs the plastic of the NC50. These both have a nice accessory set witht eh A15 coming out slightly ahead due to a larger range of spare ear-tips.

vs Thinksound ms02 ($99 USD):

The ms02 is a traditional barrel shaped IEM compared to the NC50 being an over ear style. Mids are a little drier on the ms02 making the NC50 sound smoother and less aggressive. Both of these have similar levels of treble but the Thinksound has a cleaner, punchier mid-bass. I'd happily listen to either of these all day and find each one has its own merits depending on preference and music genre. The prize for accessories goes tot he Veedix for adding a carrying case as opposed to the Thinksound's canvas pouch. They each come with the same number of ear-tips. Both are really comfortable and lightweight and it would be a tough decision choosing between them. Bottom line the Thinksound is more reference and the Veedix is more musical.

CONCLUSION

The Veedix NC50 has become one of my favorite sub $100 IEMs. They're super comfortable and well built. They have a lively yet smooth sound with good detail and a solid but not overdone low end. Packaging is fantastic and the accessories are well rounded too. At the moment the NC50 retails for between $40-$55 on Aliexpress and for what it offers I think that's a darn good deal. Being the company's first ever IEM this is a solid entry into the crowded earphone market and I personally can't wait to see what Veedix does next.

4.5/5 stars.

Disclaimer

This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The X7 has a MSRP of $25 and is currently not yet available for purchase from the manufacturers Taobao store. It should soon be available on various online stores.


MEMT, otherwise known as the Department of sound electro-acoustic Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. MEMT was founded in 2014 but until recently was unknown to most on Head-Fi until people got wind of their X5 IEM Today I'll be looking at another IEM from their X series, the MEMT X7.

Specifications
Driver Dynamic 8 mm
Cable length 1.20 m
Sensitivity 100+/-3dB
Impedance 32 ohms
Frequency range 20-20000Hz

The X7 is presented in MEMT's familiar sky blue packaging. It has a fresh, clean look with the model number in large print on the front and a transparent window at the bottom giving a clear view of the earphones inside. Opening the magnetically sealed cover reveals a plastic cover over the earphones and accessory box. Both are held firmly in a smooth black foam material. It's a fairly basic package but is of a fairly high quality when considering the low price.

The included accessories are:

• 3 sets of silicon ear-tips (S, M, L)
• 3 removeable/interchangeable silicone cable cinch in black or white
• Velcro cable tie

And that about sums it up. There's basically everything you need and the only extra thing I could want is a carrying case but of course the omission is understandable again when we consider the low cost.


The X7 has a concave barrel shaped housing in rose gold color with silver nozzles and a silver disc on the rear separated from the main body by a thin black line. Personally I think that these look really attractive and was frankly surprised at the pleasing design when I first opened the box. What seems to be a standard feature of the MEMT X series and something that I love is the magnets in the rear housing that hold the two sides together. This is not only great for being able to wear them around your neck when not in use but also (and perhaps even more appealing) it really helps prevent the cable from ending up in a tangled mess. Brilliant! The finish on the housings is really nice and smooth and something you might expect from a more expensive item. Nozzles on the X7 have a little raised section at the front end to keep tips in place but they're slightly narrower than average so it can be difficult finding third party tips that stay firmly in place. Fortunately the supplied large tips are of good quality and (at least for me) fit my ears really well.


Onto the cable which is rather stiff and prone to microphonics but feels very strong and durable. There are good strain reliefs on the housings and plug but not so much on the inline control and Y-split but I don't think it's any cause for concern because as stated the cable is tough! The inline controller has 3 buttons so is a step up from the one on the X5 and it's made from the same rose gold colored metal as the housings. There's also a microphone built in so you can make calls if using with your smartphone. The Y-splitter is metal again and has X7 printed on one side. The cable terminates in a 45 degree, gold plated 3.5 mm plug.


So how do they feel in your ears? Well of course as with most traditional barrel shaped IEMs they're good but because of the really smooth finish, slightly rounded back edges and quality ear-tips I'd say these are very comfortable indeed. I can wear them for hours on end with no problems whatsoever.

Isolation is slightly above average but as always this will be partly determined by how good a seal you're getting with whichever tips you're using. These are good for noisy environments and use in transit and will block out a good deal of outside noise.


Sources used for testing:

• Benjie X1
• Acoustic Research M20
• PC Foobar2000 > Matrix HPA-2C visa USB

Tracks used for testing (or what I've been listening to lately, in addition to my usual test tracks):

• Cubering - Soma
• iamthemorning - Belighted
• Jóhann Jóhannsson - Orphée
• Dr Dre - Compton
• Katatonia - Dead End Kings
• Solar Fields - Random Friday
• Ludovico Einaudi - In a Time Lapse

Amping: As with most low impedance IEMs amplification isn't necessary but I did find that with a higher powered source (ie: Matrix HPA-2C) the bass sounded less boomy and more controlled. I found the X7 to be fairly source dependent and found a brighter source gave the best results.

The general sound signature of the X7 is dark and warm with lots of BASS! Big bass, thick mids and subdued treble. Probably best suited for electronic and bass driven music or for watching action movies and playing games. These don't hold back when it comes to bass. It's like being next to a speaker tower on the dance floor at a rave. They're not trying to be analytical or accurate but instead aim to cave in your skull and they have exactly that kind of impact.

Right, so by this stage you've probably guessed that these are a bassy IEM. Well that would be an understatement. These go beyond that and into the realm of the true basshead niche. Think ROCK Zircon levels with deep, rumbling sub-bass but unlike the Zircon the X7 also digs deeper into the mid-bass segment. It's not the most textured or etched but it is by no means boomy and is contained well within the shells and you can feed them lots of power without fear of distortion. Got sinus problems? These might be able to fix that, just like eating a bowl of spicy Thai Tom Yum soup they will make your eyes water and nose run. While playing "Landing Party" by Solar Fields that is just how I felt. It's too much for me personally but you can hardly be mad when "HEAVY BASS" is written in bold on the front of the box. I guess you could say "It does what it says on the box". And then some.

The weighted warmth of the low end carries over into the lower midrange as well which means you may lose some details and it can sound a bit thick and veiled. Things still sound natural and fairly clear and are not overly congested. For the most part the mids hold their own really well against the bass and vocals are quite forward in the mix. Listening to "Ambitions" from Katatonia's Dead End Kings the vocals are front and center and perfectly legible despite the thumping kick drums.

Treble is a little subdued resulting in a L-shaped signature with all the emphasis on the bass and lower midrange. However the timbre of the treble notes is actually really nice but just moderately recessed. So as long as you are not in the least bit bass-shy you should find these a non-fatiguing IEM. Cymbals and hi-hats sound very natural but are well in the background. Treble extension is quite good too, it's just the level of the notes that is restrained.

Soundstage is average, being not dramatically wide but with some good depth, unusual for an IEM with such a warm signature.

Comparisons

VS MEMT X5 ($18 USD):

These are both very comfortable to wear but the X5 comes out slightly ahead with it's shorter body which makes the fit a bit more secure. The nozzles on the X7 are a bit longer and make it easier for securing different ear-tips. They also share the same cable which suffers from microphonics but is very robust. Although the X5 is a bassy IEM the X7 takes it to the extreme and suffers from bleeding into the midrange which is one of the X5's strong points.

VS VJJB K4 ($17 USD):

The K4 is another bassy IEM but unlike the X7 it suffers much less from bass bleed and has less coloration in the midrange. The K4 also has a brighter, more energetic treble presentation. Build wise they're both good but the aesthetics of the K4's wooden housing has a certain appeal for this reviewer. The K4 is V-shaped with more treble where the X7 is L-shaped with more emphasis on the low frequencies and lower mids.

VS Tennmak Piano ($26 USD):

The Piano has a fast, punchy mid-bass and deep, well-extended sub-bass. In the midrange the Piano comes across as a little thin, a stark contrast to the thickness present with the X7. The Piano is more V-shaped with a brighter sound and more prominent treble. While the X7 is constructed from metal the Piano's housings are plastic and worn over the ears. Tennmak's offering also has detachable cables which provides more longevity.

The MEMT X7 is an IEM that falls into the true basshead category. It goes beyond a merely boosted bass to a genuinely massive one. I found the X7 responds really well to EQ and with some of the bass pulled out the details are starkly revealed, suggesting that the dynamic drivers are very capable and the thickness in the presentation is simply due to tuning. Even though this IEM doesn't fall into my personal preferred sound signature I can't help but admire it for what it is able to do. For the asking price the build quality of the housings is very good though it suffers from the same stiff, microphonic cable found on the X5. The included ear-tips are of good quality and I love the included silicone cable cinches. If you're looking for a budget entry basshead IEM the MEMT X7 is worth taking a look at.

Disclaimer
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The Mrobo C5 2.0 is available from Penon Audio and is priced at $49.90.
http://penonaudio.com/music-mp3-players/Portable/Mrobo-C5
Also available at Penon's AliExpress storefront.

A little background on me:

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Intro
When I learned that I would be reviewing the M5 2.0 I thought I'd be able to just copy the V1 review with some amendments. Well it turns out that the changes are many and quite drastic and a full separate review was in order for the 2.0.

Looking back at my review of the original model I might have been a bit harsh when it came to scoring but that was how I rated it at the time. My biggest gripes were it didn't support all the specified file formats and the default sound setting (EQ Off) which had a +1dB lift on the upper mids and treble and a massive bass roll-off beginning at about 1KHz. That issue was probably about the extent of what I expected the changes in the revised model to be but it turned out to be a lot more than that. I'll just state right now for the sake of the reader that those problems have been fixed but there's still a lot more to cover. With that said, let's get on with it and see if the C5 2.0 is worthy of your consideration in the budget DAP segement.

Specification

1. Brand: Mrobo
2. Model: C5
3. Color: Dark Gray
4. Screen size: 1.8 inch display
5. Screen features: dot matrix 128 * 160 display
6. Language: support multiple languages, default Chinese
7. Audio format: MP3, WAV, APE, FLAC
8. Charging time: about 5 hours (using 5v / 1000 mAh charger)
9. Play time: about 60 hours (headset volume 30 screen protector to play lossless music)
10. WAV: support 64BIT 192KHz
11. AIFF: support 32BIT 192KHz
12. APE \ FLAC: Supports 24BIT 192KHz
13. DSD: Supports 1BIT DSD64 3072KHz
14. Play Settings: Normal, Random, All, Single Loop Playback Mode
15. EQ: rock, pop, soft, jazz, classical, electronic music (sampling rate below 48KHz only support EQ settings)
16. Breakpoint playback: support breakpoint playback
17. Signal to noise ratio: ≥ 99db
18. Volume control: 100 digital volume control mode
19. Headphone output: 10mW + 10mW (320hm)
20. Only support expansion memory: up to 128GB SD card
21. Transmission interface: MICRO 5PIN, USB2.0
22. Operating temperature: -545 degrees Celsius
23. Dimension: 86mm x 54mm x 14mm
24. Weight: 145g

PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

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(The package and accessories are the same as they were with the original model so for the sake of ease this section has been copied from the V1 review.)

The C5 comes in a simple retail box that for some reason doesn't have any images of the great looking player on it at all. Inside we find an accessory box, underneath which is the player itself.

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Accessories include a USB charge/transfer cable, complimentary earbuds, warranty card and a user manual. The included earbuds look great at first but it turns out they're probably the worst I have ever used. They're made of a cheap feeling plastic with very sharp edges and they sound awful.*

* The earbuds provided with the 2.0 look and feel the same (they still sound awful) but these ones don't have the sharp edges. Whether this is luck of the draw or an improvement in the manufacturing process I don't know but you're likely to never use them anyway unless you have literally nothing else available.

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DESIGN​

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On the outside the 2.0 is unchanged from the V1 except that the buttons on the front of the player now have labels and the button labels on the right side have been changed to represent their new functions.

So what you get is a beautifully crafted and very solid feeling enclosure, crafted from all metal and weighing in at 145g.

Starting with the bottom there's a headphone out and a line in. Only thing is the line in has been changed to a secondary headphone out but for some reason the label wasn't updated. It seems that as a result of having dual headphone outs the output power of the unit is now lower. This means the DAP is good for IEMs but won't be sufficient for anything with high impedance. The output power is stated as 10mW + 10mW (320hm).

On the left side (from top to bottom)_ are:

1. Button lock
2. Reset button
3. Micro SD card slot
4. Micro USB charging/transfer jack

The button lock is a handy feature. It disables all buttons but the volume can still be adjusted using the intelligent wheel. When turning it on or off you see an animated icon locking or unlocking. Nice.

The right side has (from top to bottom):

1. Volume
2. Back/Previous
3. Power

Here we see some of the changes that have been made since the V1. The volume button used to be the + volume whereas now it simply takes you to the volume screen where you can make level adjustments with either the Rew (rewind) or FF (fast forward) buttons or the navigation wheel. There are 100 volume steps so precise playback levels are easy to achieve.

What used to be the - volume button is now Back/Prevous for navigating the menu.

Finally there is the Power button that used to be the A/B button which was used to loop audio sections (useful for studying language).

On the front of the unit is the 1.8 inch TFT screen featuring a dot matrix display with a resolution of 128 * 160 pixels. Below the screen are:

1. Rewind
2. Fast Forward
3. Play/Pause
4. Menu
5. Navigation/control wheel

The DAP sits well in your palm and the buttons are fairly easy to access using left or right handed navigation. The control wheel on the other hand is a little awkward to use unless you're holding the DAP in your left hand and I feel it might have been more intuitive at the top of the unit.

Apart from the firmware which will be covered in the next section one of the major internal changes was the removal of the 8GB of built-in memory. Whether they did this to make room for hardware changes or to reduce cost I don't know as it is difficult to find any information about the C5 (either version) and my attempts at communicating with the company didn't result in any answers.

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USER INTERFACE​

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Okay, let's get into the UI of the 2.0 where there are major differences in virtually every area compared to the V1. To turn the device on you just hold the power button for a couple of seconds and it will boot up. This takes you to the main menu (which later can be returned to from any screen via a long press of the Back button). I'll make a table of the various menu lists in a table below. For now I'll just talk about the general user experience.

The UI is fairly snappy and responsive with no discernible lag when navigating the system. The intelligent control wheel comes in handy when scrolling through lists or you can also use the Rew/FF buttons. To play a song you can search via the folder view or the music view which lists all songs, albums and genres etc. When choosing a song to play you press the Play/Pause button and then you're taken to another screen that has Play and Delete. I don't know why it's done like this as it seems to me to add another unnecessary button press to play a song. When on the Now Playing screen if you press the Menu button you get a screen with 3 options: Add to playlist, Play mode and Delete. There are a few annoyances like this in the menus but for the most part it's fairly straightforward.

The screen is fairly clear despite the low resolution and it can be seen in all but the brightest direct sunlight. The player now supports Album Art but because of the screen's low resolution the album cover appears as a tiny square in the middle of the screen which makes it difficult to see. While we're here I'll talk about the Now Playing screen. It has a lot of useful information including (from top to bottom):

1. Volume
2. Track number/Total tracks
3. Battery level
4. Repeat/Play mode
5. Current EQ setting
6. Album/Artist/Song name
7. Playback position (with progress bar)
8. Play/Pause icon
9. Bitrate and file type

The player supports break-point resume but it has the same annoying implementation as on the NiNTAUS X10 where as you power on the unit you'll see a notification asking if you want to resume playback. After pressing yes you're taken to the Now Playing screen and then have to hit the play button to resume. In my opinion it should just be a global option in the main settings that can be turned on or off so when you turn on the device it automatically picks up where it left off. Of course some people might like it how it is and as is the way with all things YMMV.

There seems to be a problem with creating playlists as adding a new song to one of the playlists will just make all the songs in that playlist the same as the last one added. For example, say I have five songs on my playlist and then I want to add another song, in this case I'll call the song #3. After adding #3 to the playlist when I go to that playlist now I see six copies of the #3 song. So I think it's fair to say the playlist function is completely broken unless you only want to add a single song to it which is fairly useless unless you find it faster than browsing for the file through the folder view.

Although there's an option in the settings to do an Auto upgrade I haven't been able to find any information or download of any firmware versions.
It might sound like I'm being negative here but in fact in general use the player is quite a pleasant experience. I personally always use the Folder View to find the song or album I want and the C5 2.0's interface does this perfectly well. Now, let's take a look at those menus.

Settings	Language	(20 languages available)
Create playlist
Backlight timer	10 seconds 20 seconds 30 seconds Always on
Power off	(Off or 10-120 minutes)
Sleep timer	(Up to 99 minutes)
Information	Player information Disk space
Auto upgrade
Format device
Factory settings
Music	All songs Artists Albums Genres Playlists Create Playlist
Folder view
Play settings	Shuffle Repeat Default volume
Equalizer	Off Rock Pop Soft Jazz Classical Techno

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Battery life

Just like with the V1 the C5 2.0 has a ridiculously good battery life. In normal use you can get upwards of 50 hours of playback on a single charge. I find it really refreshing when compared to my higher end DAPs as the battery life is something you simply don't need to worry about. Unless you're really careless you should never find yourself in a situation where you run out of power.

SOUND​

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Some readers might find this section a little on the “lite” side after seeing other reviews that wax lyrical about how their DAPs sound with various headphones and IEMs but in my personal opinion that essentially breaks down into a series of mini reviews of those headphones and IEMs… A DAP will have a basic signature (hopefully close to flat) that carries across to whatever you connect to it so while I will cover some pairings and comparisons below, this section will be a very brief description of how I hear the Mrobo C5 2.0.

Anyone who read my review of the C5 V1 will know there was a problem with the default EQ setting (EQ Off). I'm happy to say that's no longer an issue with the C5 V2. As you can see in the graph below, the 2.0 has a much closer to flat frequency response across the board.

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Loaded test using the Moni One triple hybrid IEM (1DD + 2BA 16 ohms)​

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What I'm hearing from the C5 2.0 is fairly neutral and slightly warm with average soundstage for a low budget DAP (highly dependent on your IEMs). It's not the most clear or detailed sound but it's fairly consistent with other players in this price segment. Thankfully the bass extension is much improved over the V1 and the sound is now full-bodied and no longer anemic or drastically deviates from neutrality. The high frequencies are missing some of the air and definition of more expensive DAPs (the Jazz EQ preset improves this nicely) but again it's in line with what I've come to expect in the low budget range. That's not saying the sound is bad at all. For the price I think it's really good and directly competitive with other similarly priced DAPs I have on hand.

Unlike the V1 there's no custom EQ available. It might be a little disappointing for some but I generally prefer to not use EQ, especially when reviewing so this is no biggie for me. Having said that the EQ presets do a good job of altering the sound without any noticeable loss in audio quality and in some cases improving it depending on your preferences so be sure to give them a try as you might prefer some of them over the default setting.

Comparisons

X5 2.0 vs X5 V1 (discontinued):

As mentioned in the main part of the review the sound of the 2.0 is improved over the original. For the most part I find the firmware changes and new button assignments are an improvement except for break-point resume which in my opinion was done better on the V1. On the V1 the player would open at the last playback position of the last played track and from there you can just hit the play button to resume. On the V2 you get the annoying popup screen asking you if you want to go to the last played song every time you boot the device. The V1 also has 8GB of built-in memory which has been removed in V2. This shouldn't be a problem for most as it supports SD cards up to 128GB so as long as you have a SD card available should be a moot point.

X5 2.0 vs NiNTAUS X10 ($65 USD from Penon Audio):

When it comes to sound there's very little separating these two and their power outputs are practically identical. I tested the outputs using two identical IEMs (KZ ATR) and with both players at 50% volume the sound levels sounded the same to my ears with maybe less than 1dB difference in SPL. Both players have some advantages over the other and it will depend on which features are more important to you as to which one you prefer since there's really no separating them by sound quality. The NiNTAUS has a proper line out while the Mrobo has dual headphone outs. The X10 has a 10 band equalizer while the 2.0's is 5 - neither DAP has a custom EQ setting.
For construction and build both are really good. The 2.0 feels a lot more solid and premium in your hand but at the same time it's much heavier. I find adjusting the volume much easier on the V2 with the control wheel compared to the cumbersome method on the X10 where you first have to press a button to activate the screen, then press the volume button, then adjust using the wheel. The screen on the NiNTAUS is superior (300 * 240 vs the V2's 128 * 160) making album art actually useful and the screen layout is more pleasing (in my opinion). Both have exemplary battery life.

X5 2.0 vs Benjie X1 ($25 USD):

X1's soundstage is slightly wider and sound has more air and sparkle with slightly better transparency and detail retrieval. The screen is superior on the X1 even though it has the same dimensions and resolution but is in portrait configuration. Album art looks far better on the X1, is larger and the screen seems clearer overall but because of its orientation text is very short and slow scrolling making it more difficult to find the songs you're looking for or reading the Now Playing song's information. Build on both is fantastic but the X1 has very sharp corners making it feel less comfortable in your hand. I actually prefer the simple + and - volume buttons on the X1 for adjusting listening levels. The X1 has a 5 band equalizer and there's also a custom setting available. As with the other DAPs compared the X1 also has a stellar battery life of 40+ hours.

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From left to right: Mrobo C5 2.0, NiNTAUS X10, Benjie X1​

Pairing

Rather than go through the IEMs I tested separately I'll just say that they all sounded good and retained their individual sonic characteristics. Ones with lower impedance gave the best results as the power output is fairly low meaning you'll often find yourself pushing the volume to near maximum with harder to drive earphones. Even with sensitive IEMs I haven't heard any hisssing or background noise.

CONCLUSION​

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It's amazing what is on offer in the budget segment of DAPs these days and the C5 2.0 is no exception. It has immaculate build quality, surprisingly good sound, a responsive interface and incredible battery life. It's far from being perfect but manufacturers have to make concessions when you're offering products at such a low price. The button layout could be more ergonomic and the screen quality is below average but you can literally listen to music nonstop for days on end! File transfer speed is also above average and this thing is built like a tank. With the changes and improvements this player has had over the original the M5 2.0 is really worth taking a look at if you're buying a DAP in the sub $50 bracket.

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Disclaimer

This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The ms02 has an MSRP of $119.99 but at the time of writing this review it can be purchased for $99.99 directly from the Thinksound website.

About Thinksound

According to the Co-Founder and president of Thinksound Aaron Fournier the company was formed

"to make headphones that we would want to listen to; and we’re not easily satisfied."

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

Not only that but they also wanted to make their products using Eco-friendly materials which I think is an admirable attribute for any manufacturer and to top it off they offer discounts on future purchases if you send in your old headphones for their recycling initiative.

A little about me

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PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

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The ms02 is delivered in a tiny little white box with a nice, clear image of the earphones adorning the front. Over on the back are some features of the ms02 and some information on the eco-friendly nature of the packaging along with the benefits of using wood as a material for their headphones and earphones. I believe this is a really sensible and responsible approach to packaging as once we remove our item from the box it usually ends up in the trash so there's really no need for big, flashy plastic laden delivery content. Inside along with the earphones you'll find:  

1. Warranty information sheet  
2. Thank you card
3. Unbleached canvas carry pouch
4. 4 additional pairs of silicone ear-tips.
5. Shirt clip

 
Overall it's a neat little package that gives you a warm, fuzzy feeling knowing that you're not destroying the environment with your purchase. One thing that I thought would be nice is if the ear-tips came in an unbleached paper envelope or something similar instead of the plastic zip-lock bag as it would tie in better with the rest of the packaging theme.

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BUILD, COMFORT AND ISOLATION​

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Wood and metal, it's a timeless combination. You have the aesthetics, natural feel, plus the acoustic properties of wood and you get the rigidity, strength and consistency of metal, in this case polished aluminium. That's what you get with the ms02, Thinksound's monitor series IEM. Starting at the front end is the rather large aluminium nozzle with protective mesh cover. The aluminium section continues about a third of the way down the housing where it seamlessly joins the wooden rear section. On the underside you'll find L and R markings for Left and Right. So many manufacturers neglect this small detail and it can be really frustrating so thank you Thinksound for paying attention to detail. The surfaces are smooth and polished and look as good as they feel. On the rear of the housing is the Thinksound logo in white.

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The black PVC-free, Kevlar reinforced cable exits the housing within a really nice strain relief that provides plenty of flexibility and should reduce the likeliness of damaging the connection within. Farther down the line is the Y-split which also has good strain relief and is made from the same polished aluminium we saw on the housing and is adorned with Thinksound's branding. The cable under the Y-split is fairly thick for an IEM. It's a smooth rubber tubing that feels good in the hand and doesn't have any stickiness to it. It sits fairly well but never completely straight which is a shame and is most likely a result of the cable's thickness but on a positive note it is well resistant to tangling. The cable terminates in a gold-plated, 45 degree angled plug which again has very good strain relief and excellent build quality.

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When it comes to comfort the ms02 nails it. The IEMs have a safe barrel shape and as mentioned above the surfaces are polished and smooth. Added to the housing's 10g ultra-lightweight design the result is something that I can wear all day long without discomfort. The largest of the included tips have a wide bore and are the perfect size for me so overall I find the comfort exceptional. Sound isolation is slightly above average for a dynamic driver IEM, in part because there's no bass port or ventilation on the housing. Fortunately for me there was no driver flex as a result. I find the ms02 ideal for any situation, including commuting or a noisy environment.

SOUND​

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Sources used for testing

1. Mrobo C5 V2.0
2. Acoustic Research M20
3. PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2 > Phatlab Sassy II

 
What I've been listening to lately

1. Solar Fields - Blue Moon Station
2. The Gloaming - The Gloaming
3. Radiohead - Hail to the Thief
4. Trevor Morris - Vikings OST
5. Roque Banos - In the Heart of the Sea (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
6. Thundercat - Drunk

 
Like most IEMs the ms02 tends to sound a little more fleshed out when powered by a solid DAC or headphone amplifier, however it still sounds great straight out of a smartphone or DAP.

Although the ms02 is part of Thinksound's monitor series it doesn't really have a reference sound. It is a fairly balanced presentation but very musical and more tuned towards fun with added warmth and a well extended but non-aggressive treble.

Bass is full bodied with an emphasis on mid-bass but it's well controlled and has some nice texture to it though some bass notes have a bit of a soft edge on them. Sub-bass can dig fairly deep but rolls off a little early. For the most part though it will satisfy during bass drops or when called upon and responds well to extra amplification without distorting.

The ms02's midrange comes with plenty of body and warmth but manages to do so without getting muddy or congested. They're balanced fairly well with the bass and treble so not really recessed but not overly forward either. Vocals are rich and natural on the ms02. In Thundercat's "Drink Dat (feat. Wiz Khalifa)" the vocals manage to stay forward of the thick kick drums and bass guitar.

When it comes to treble the ms02 does a fine balancing act between extension and smoothness. Overall the sound is warm and full-bodied and after listening to the ms02 almost exclusively for a couple of weeks I was thinking of them as a bit toward dark. This is just the impression given by the fullness of the midrange and weighted bass though. When comparing directly with the SHOZY Zero I was quite surprised just how much more treble the ms02 has. This makes it a great IEM for showcasing the genius of Gavin Harrison's hi-hats and cymbals in "The Final Thing on My Mind" from Your Wilderness by The Pineapple Thief.  They manage to produce far reaching treble without any hint of stridency or harshness.

Comparisons

ms02 vs SHOZY Zero ($60 USD):

Hmm battle of the woodies right here. If anyone remembers the time of the Zero launch they were lauded as being comparable to earphones many times more the price so this should be a fair comparison. When it comes to build there are quite a few similarities between these two. For a start they both sport a metal front end and wooden rear on the housing. Both have a very similar capsule shape to them but the Zero is shorter and wider than the ms02. The supplied ear-tips are practically identical and with their similar shapes I find them both to be equally comfortable. 

The biggest differences between these is evident in the sound they produce. The most noticeable variance is in the treble and it's immediately apparent that the ms02 has much more forward treble and better treble extension. With regards to bass these are almost playing the same drum but the Zero has ever so slightly more sub-bass extension. In the midrange the ms02 has more body and warmth and a fuller sound overall and the Zero is closer to neutral. 

Now how to pick a winner here? Some may find the treble too dulled down on the Zero but then it probably does have slightly better resolution and separation in the midrange due to being less full-bodied but if you're more into vocals the ms02 probably gets the edge here.  I think it's going to come down to personal preference on the sound level and as far as build goes there's not much difference between these competitors though I will say I prefer the cable on the ms02.

ms02 vs Accutone Gemini HD ($119 USD):

So here we have two single dynamic driven earphones at near the same price point but both have a very different approach. The Gemini HD is an all metal IEM and also comes with 3 sets of interchangeable filters that allows the user to customize the sound to suit their tastes. For comfort I'd say the Thinksound comes out ahead with its smooth curves and light weight while Accutone's offering has straight back edges that can cause hot-spots after a fairly short amount of time. Moving on to the sound. Just like the Zero, the Gemini HD has a very restrained treble giving an overall thick and dark sound. The midrange on the Accutone sounds a little muddied in comparison while the Thinksound has an airiness and more clarity throughout. Both these earphones have a similarly boosted bass level. For my preferences this is a relatively simple choice and I would go with the ms02 for its sound and comfort. If however you are treble sensitive and prefer a darker sounding IEM the Gemini HD is a decent offering and has outstanding build quality.

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From left to right: Thinksound ms02, Accutone Gemini HD, SHOZY Zero​

 

CONCLUSION​

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Thinksound's ms02 is a great earphone. The build is solid, the earphones very comfortable and priced competitively. Being eco-friendly gains some extra points as well in my view. When it comes to sound the ms02 is no slouch. It offers a warm but balanced presentation with good extension on both ends and a rich, musical midrange. Although the sound is full and engaging its non-fatiguing and you should be able to enjoy your music for hours on end unless you're particularly treble sensitive. I personally have spent some days with these in my ears for over 4 or 5 hours straight and even then removed them only because life required me to do other things.

Bottom line is, if you're looking for the natural timbre of a (well tuned) single dynamic driver or just excellent sound in general the Thinksound ms02 fully deserves your attention in the sub $100 bracket. Do yourself and the environment a favor by getting these in your ears.

Disclaimer

This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The Sassy II has a MSRP of $699 and is available for purchase from Jaben stores. For those in North America you can contact Mr Michael Brown of RSM Comuunications and Final Audio US via email: michael@rsmcomm.com

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INTRODUCTION​

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Portable HiFi is having a resurgence in popularity of late as can be seen by the current furious competition in the DAP and headphone market. While earphones and IEMs remain the best option for most when they're out and about there are a lot of people using DAPs around the home so as not to be tied to their listening chair or desk. Ones home is also the ideal place for full sized headphones but again people don't always want to be tied to their desktop setups to enjoy music around the house and the majority of DAPs don't have enough grunt to power high impedance or hard to drive headphones. The solution? A portable amplifier to connect to your DAP or even mobile phone so you can lie back on the sofa or watch the sunset from your balcony whilst enjoying your favorite music.

Phatlab's Sassy II is a single-ended triode/solid-state hybrid portable headphone amplifier. Phew, that's a mouthful! So why tubes and not pure digital amplification? Among all the approaches, single-ended triode tube topology has very unique characteristics of amplification. It produces rich 2nd harmonics, which is not possible in any solid-state amplifier. Since the single-ended triode topology is so simple, it will not introduce IMD (intermodulation distortion), feedback phase shift and all kinds of arguable drawbacks found in solid-state amplifiers. It maintains the clear, purer, and warmer (debatable due to 2nd harmonics) sound.

I met Mr Lin, the CEO of Phatlab Audio in person at CanJam Singapore 2017. We chatted over some coffee about the Sassy II, portable amplifiers in general and the future of portable audio. It was immediately obvious that he is very well versed and passionate on the subjects of electrical engineering and audio. I was fortunate enough to walk away with a Sassy II which I'll be reviewing today. 

About Phatlab

Based in Taiwan, Phatlab was founded in 2015 by a husband and wife team. The company's CEO and lead designer was a previous employee of ENIGMAcoustics and worked on the legendary hybrid dynamic and electrostatic Dharma D1000 headphone. This led him to recognize that the future of the audio industry is in headphones and so he set out on his own to create Phatlab. Right from the beginning Phatlab aimed high at the enthusiast market with the Phantasy, a pure class-A single-ended triode portable headphone amplifier and the original Sassy hybrid amplifier. The Sassy has now been superseded by the Sassy II and Sassy GT (Gold Tuned) amplifiers.

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PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES​

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The Sassy II comes in a plain black box with gold print on the top. On the front side is a magnetic flap that lifts up to open up the box. Inside there is a "Getting started" booklet sitting on a layer of foam with a felt covering. Lifting that out reveals the Sassy II underneath, seated securely in a similar felt covered foam. Under the amplifier is a foam cutout which when pulled out reveals a space under the main foam body where you'll find a USB charging cable. It's a simple yet elegant unboxing experience but I would have liked to see some kind of 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm interconnect cable included so you had everything you need to get started right out of the box.

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BUILD AND DESIGN​

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First impressions upon laying eyes on the Sassy II are of a premium product. It's exquisitely crafted aluminum enclosure and machined panels give it a simple yet elegant look which is only exemplified when you hold it in your hand.

The Sassy II is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. On the front panel and surrounded by a protective roll cage (from left to right) are:

1. 6.35 mm headphone output
2. 3.5 mm line in
3. Power (green) and Low battery (red) LED indicators
4. Volume knob

The volume knob which also acts as the power switch has a really smooth action and is perfectly weighted with just the right amount of resistance that allows you to make precise volume adjustments. It's the sort of knob that you would expect to find on a premium desktop or rack device, perfectly aligned and silky in its movement.

Thankfully the LEDs have just the right amount of brightness so they're not distracting and don't clash with the glow from the tubes. Thank you Phatlab for making the power light green because I'm so tired of blue LEDs!

On the back panel are (from left to right):

1. Low/High Gain switch (High: 0dB / Low: -10dB)
2. Charging LED (red)
3. micro-USB port (for charging)

Brushed aluminium adorns the topside of the chassis. It's smooth and resistant to fingerprints to boot and surrounds the rear-printed glass viewing window that sports the phatlab logo and emits the warm orange glow of the tubes. On the underside are four rubber feet that keep the Sassy II firmly in place on your desk, table, counter or whatever you decide to place it on.

If there was one thing I'd change about the design of the Sassy II it would be the addition of a 3.5 mm headphone jack. All of my IEM's and the majority of my headphones have 3.5 mm plugs and it would simplify the experience having the ability to plug directly into the amp without using a 6.35 mm adapter.

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS​

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Frequency Response	10 Hz – 100 kHz
Output power	180 mW + 180 mW (300 ohm) 1000 mW + 1000 mW (30 ohm)
Headphone impedance	30 ohm – 600 ohm
Gain Switch	High: 0dB / Low: -10dB
Power supply	5V/1A via micro USB port
Operation time (on battery)	Approx. 10 hours (depends on headphone impedance)
Charging time (>1A supply)	Approx. 3 hours
Dimensions	119 mm x 93 mm x 23 mm
Net weight	275 gram

Let's have a look at the internals. With a full-discrete solid-state output stage the Sassy II is designed to work with any headphones or earphones regardless of impedance or sensitivity. The hand selected military grade JAN6418 tubes are responsible for the major amplification of left and right channels, each one taking care of the left or right side respectively. When it comes to testing each individual tube there are two criteria to meet. The first one is low microphonic effect. Using very low consumption and small size pencil tubes they are more vulnerable to microphonics than bigger size tubes, so they need to see the spectrum of every tube for low microphonics. The second criteria is the Gm ( transconductance) value, or so-called voltage to current gain. For optimal performance they need the tubes with right Gm to fit into right operating point at the circuits.

The Sassy II has a very low noise floor (generally below -110dB) and I'm told the reason is rooted in the unique circuit topology of Sassy (and all Phatlab products). Sassy has only two gain stages, one for voltage gain based on tubes and another for current gain based on high power transistors, all with discrete devices (meaning no integrated circuit) and without global feedback. This is why selection of the perfect tubes is so important (only 30% pass the criteria for testing). The less gain stage, the lower the noise.

Phatlab's amplifiers have extreme driving capability beyond the chassis size. Unlike traditional Op Amp circuit topology, they do not count on feedback to make everything right. After screening tubes and making every transistor work at the right operating point, they supply them with higher voltage. It is the high voltage (>20 volt) that provides the extra driving capability on high impedance (>300 ohm) headphones.

Unlike many tube amplifiers the Sassy's direct heated triode (DHT) is ready to work immediately on powering up without the need to wait until the tubes warm up. That leads me to something I find really unusual (in a good way) about the Sassy II. The unit stays completely cool even after hours of operation. The aluminium enclose doesn't get even slightly warm during use. You might on occasion hear a ringing from the amp after you've switched headphones or just turned the unit on. Don't panic! This is normal and is just microphonics from the tubes within. You're more likely to notice it with low impedance headphones or IEMs. After a few seconds the sound will disappear.

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Sassy II Measurement Report

Frequency Response (L: yellow and R: red channels)​

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The above graph shows both left (yellow) and right (red) channel frequency response at moderate output level from 20 to 20k Hz.  Counting on the minimum deviation (phase shift) from flat response, the real -3dB bandwidth extends over 10 times both below and above the frequency limits, which is equivalent to 2 to 200k Hz (-3dB) bandwidth meeting Hi-Res requirements.​

Noise Floor ( L and R channels)​

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Just turning on the power of Sassy II and turning the volume to minimum (meaning no input signal), the graph shows the residue noise spectrum generated by Sassy II itself. The inherent noise (low gain) is below -120dB. That is why there is hardly a hiss even working with most sensitive IEMs.​

Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)​

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The graph shows left SNR (70.3dB). With 1 KHz input signal, Sassy II output 1KHz base frequency and its 2nd (2 KHz) and 3rd (3 KHz) harmonics.​

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The graph shows right SNR (72.4dB). It has only obvious 2nd harmonics and barely 3rd harmonics, because of superior characteristics of right channel tube compared with left channel.​

Total harmonic distortion (THD)​

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The input signal is intentionally shifted to 3 KHz and output is lowered to simulate the worst case scenario. It shows about 0.1% THD for left channel.​

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It shows 0.125% THD. Again the performance difference between L and R channel is due to variations of tube electrical performance.​

Battery life

Average battery life is rated at around 10 hours but I found that when using IEMs or lower impedance headphones at lower volume (think evening in a quiet room) then it can be significantly longer. Obviously this will depend on headphones and output levels used and will vary for everyone. There's no need to worry about battery though if you have a power source nearby. The unit can still be used when powered or charging via the USB port.

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SOUND​

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Sources used for testing

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 5
2. Acoustic Research M20
3. Mrobo C5 V2.0
4. PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2 > Sassy II

What I've been listening to lately

1. Solar Fields - Blue Moon Station
2. The Gloaming - The Gloaming
3. Radiohead - Hail to the Thief
4. Trevor Morris - Vikings OST
5. Roque Banos - In the Heart of the Sea (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
6. Thundercat - Drunk

Some readers might find this section a little on the "lite" side after seeing other reviews that wax lyrical about how their amplifier's sound with various headphones and IEMs but in my personal opinion that essentially breaks down into a series of mini reviews of those headphones and IEMs... An amplifier will have a basic signature (hopefully close to flat) that carries across to whatever you connect to it so while I will cover some pairings below, this section will be a very brief description of how I hear the Sassy II.

As to output impedance of Sassy II, since there is no feedback scheme to reduce its value, it is a very straightforward series resistance at the amplifier output specified at 2.4 ohm. With the added gain select switch the Sassy II is more suitable than the original model for low sensitivity IEMs but has more than enough power to drive high impedance or demanding full sized headphones, including planars. Even on sensitive IEMs at very low volume I haven't been able to detect any channel imbalance whatsoever which is quite remarkable. This is largely due to integrating gain adjustment, when driving higher sensitivity IEMs or headphones and gain setting is low, naturally the user will turn volume higher to potentiometer’s linear region.

There's little coloration added to music, just some of that tubey goodness that comes across as a bit of extra warmth, the effect of 2nd harmonics taking off the clinical sterility of digital recordings, added airiness to the highs and a slightly increased soundstage. In regards to the extra warmth it doesn't take anything away from the clarity, far from it. The effect is barely noticeable but you can tell it's there, like a little voodoo (the good kind) has been sprinkled over your tunes. You could liken it to a polished vs brushed aluminium: The surface is noticeably changed but it's still smooth, however now it looks and feels even better than before. Okay, I'm digressing there and probably a good amount of people will be left scratching their heads at my analogy. Sometimes I feel like I'm bordering on autistic and things only make sense in my private little world...Overall the Sassy II is a low-distortion tube amp so avoids any drastic splashiness or smearing that you might find in a cheaper or intentionally high-distortion tube amp.

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In use

In this section I'll be discussing very briefly some pairings that I've tested with the Sassy II. As I have already covered the basic sound signature above this is simply meant to provide the reader with a little insight to the driving capabilities of the amp.

Full sized

The first time I heard the Sassy II was at CanJam Singapore 2017 with the Abyss planar headphone. I hadn't heard the Abyss prior to this but had seen people mention its fairly demanding power wise. Well I can state conclusively that the Sassy II took on the challenge like a champ. The sound was full across the spectrum and I was listening at under 50% volume (high gain) so still had plenty of power in reserve.

With my Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro (250 ohms) I generally sit around 30-40% volume (low gain). This is a nice pairing even though the 990 is pretty weighted in the bass already but there's some added liveliness in the treble that lifts the presentation beautifully.

The Ultrasone Performance 860 (32 ohms) is a linear headphone with a reference signature. As a result it benefits greatly from the Sassy's touch of warmth and is a more exciting listen with more energy and gusto than with a pure digital amp. In "Opening Set" by The Gloaming the Ultrasone's resolving qualities are perfectly matched resulting in a full-bodied bass, warm inviting midrange. I found myself listening at about 15-25% volume (low gain).

Sennheiser's HD600 was another great match for the Sassy II at a level of around 40% in low gain, or 25-30% when set to high gain. The HD600's forward vocals sound natural and really engaging along with the Sassy's ability to produce light, shimmering treble.

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IEMs

In all the IEMs I tested there was no noticeable hiss or background noise. I'm usually not overly sensitive to hissing but in low gain setting I didn't detect any at all.  I tested a few of the IEMs in my current rotation, including LZ A4, Thinksound ms02 and Trinity Phantom Master 4. Although none of those are super sensitive the noise floor was black to my ears. The Phantom Master 4 seemed to benefit the most from the earphones I tested gaining a little more body and fun to their somewhat clinical default signature.

CONCLUSION​

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I've had the Sassy II for almost a month now and although I rarely use portable amps on the go I have definitely become accustomed to using this one at home. In fact because the Sassy makes it so easy to use full sized headphones in any room or around the house I've been using them almost exclusively instead of my IEMs. The battery can get me through a full week on a single charge if I listen to 2-3 hours a day (keeping in mind none of my headphones are especially hard to drive). The Sassy II does everything right for me. Even the green power LED is a refreshing change since nowadays everything seems to have blue ones! 

The Sassy II has impeccable build quality, great looks, fantastic battery life and is lightweight yet has power output similar to what many desktop units produce. What's more is it gives you a hint of tubey sound whilst retaining a fairly neutral signature and with selectable gain output is versatile enough to drive anything from sensitive IEMs to demanding planar headphones. Try as I might, I simply can't find anything negative to say about it. Granted it's not cheap but neither is what it offers in material or sound quality. If you're looking for a serious portable amp to compliment your kit the Phatlab Sassy II is simply stunning.

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This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own based on my experience with the product. I have no affiliation with the company and do not benefit financially from this review. More of my reviews can be seen from the link in my Head-Fi profile or on my blog.

The AR-M20 can be purchased directly from the AR website:

Acoustic Research Website

The unit I tested came from Discovery HIFI in Bangkok, Thailand.

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Introduction

I've owned several DAPs in the past and still have many more than I need. Most of them would be considered budget offerings as I get a kick out of ordering cheap players online and seeing what they have to offer. I had never owned any Android based players but was always curious to see what they were like as I always thought that playing music on my smartphone was a more pleasant experience, at least when it came to the GUI. Obviously the sound from most phones isn't comparable to a dedicated DAP although they continue to improve but still I prefer a dedicated DAP that doesn't take a toll on my phone battery and at the same time leaves my phone free for doing other things like email, web browsing and chat. Enter Acoustic Research and their Second Generation Acoustic Research M-Class Hi-Res Audio Platform which is based on Android but with a twist. What makes this DAP interesting is

Unlike typical CPU-centric music players, the audio system in M20 acts as the clock master and the CPU acts as the slave component to the audio system. Jitter error from CPU is minimized significantly. Extreme accuracy in audio is genuinely prioritized.

Click to expand...

Utilizing a Burr-Brown PCM5242 DAC,  with a S/N ratio of 114dB and Texas Instruments TPA6120A2 among other things the AR-M20 is built around some impressive hardware and my expectations of its performance were quite high indeed.  So does the performance match the player's impressive specifications? Read on to find out.

About Acoustic Research

Acoustic Research was founded in 1952 and has a long history of innovation in Hi-Fi speakers. In 1983 it was acquired by VOXX International Corporation, a Global manufacturer and distributor of lifestyle products. Since 2011 the company has had a "Renewed focus on High-End and Digital". In 2015 they released their second generation M class Hi-Res audio player and USB-DAC. 2016 saw the introduction of the M20 as the third generation Hi-Res player. The company says they have "A long term commitment to excellence" and wish to "continue to honor the vision of the founder and to build sound systems that most truthfully reproduce the information they receive from recordings".

Packaging and accessories

The AR-M20 comes in a black box with white text. On the front is the Acoustic Research logo along with some of the player's features and a stealthy preview of the player inside. On the back are some more features and basic specifications. Removing the outer cardboard sheath you're presented with a simple but elegant textured black box with just the AR logo on the front. Remove the lid and BAM - there's the DAP in all it's glory but more on that later. Also included in the box is a quick start guide, a USB data/charging cable and a black felt carry pouch. The USB cable is thicker and looks to be of higher quality than the average ones you get with cheaper DAPs though whether this makes a difference in use is questionable since it's only used for charging and file transfers.

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There was (in my opinion) one glaring omission in the bundled accessories and that is some kind of protective case. AR could learn a thing or two from other manufacturers in that aspect. Most DAPs, particularly high-end ones will provide a case in the box. Even just a flimsy silicone shroud would do the job of basic protection of the player and then the end user could have a choice of buying something more substantial or attractive later on. Due to the M20's high-gloss plastic rear by the time I'd inserted my micro-SD card the unit was already covered in unsightly fingerprints. On top of that I was afraid to put it down anywhere for fear of it getting scratched.
 

Design

At first glance the AR-M20 looks very similar to a high-end smartphone which is hardly surprising since the bulk of it is made up of the large 5 inch IPS screen. The screen has a native resolution of 720 x 1280 which produces vibrant colors and images. The all glass front has narrow bevels with the Acoustic Research logo at the bottom and is surrounded by a  silver colored CNC crafted metal chassis and certainly looks and feels like a premium offering. The back of the device is a high-gloss plastic that looks great but unfortunately it quickly gets covered in fingerprints and can easily be scratched so I'd recommend using a protective cover.

On the bottom is the micro-USB port (supports USB-OTG), single 3.5 mm headphone out, LED charging indicator (red when charging, green when fully charged) and two hex screws. On the right side are three metal buttons - Power On/Off (or short press for screen on/off), volume up and volume down. The volume has 120  steps so gives you there's plenty of room for fine level adjustment. The buttons feel firm and have a nice tactile click to them though a little more resistance might have been nice to help prevent accidental presses. Under the buttons is the micro-SD card slot (supports up to 200GB) complete with a sliding cover to improve the DAPs appearance and prevent the card from being lost. The left and top sides are left bare but the top side has a raised bumper with two hex screws and the model number etched into it which is quite nice and is the single physical feature that distinguishes the M20 from a mulititude of similar looking smartphones.

Dimensions of the player are 2.76 In (W) x 5.35 In (H) x .44 In (D)  and it weighs in at 177 grams. It's a good size which I find easy for single handed operation and sits well in your hand.

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The DAP is powered by a quad core Qualcom MSM8926 CPU and comes packed with 32GB of onboard storage.  As mentioned earlier there's a Burr-Brown PCM5242 performing the DAC duties and the TI TPA6120A2 headphone amplifier in class A/B configuration supplying up to 2.1Vrms output which is above average for a DAP in its class providing 16Ω: 228 + 228mW / 32Ω: 130 + 130mW / 300Ω: 15 + 15mW.  The M20 has variable native sample rate with dual crystal oscillators and supports all the modern digital file formats including DSD128 and DXD.
 
Tying all this together on the software side is the Android 4.3 OS. Yes you read that right, 4.3. Now some people might think that belongs in the last decade but when you break it down it isn't really a bad thing. The M20 uses its own discrete audio path when running the AR Music Player, effectively bypassing the Android OS and avoiding any limitations or problems the software might introduce. So you get the benefits of the Android front end but avoid its audio limitations.

The built-in wireless is 802.11B/G/N which has a maximum data rate of 11 Mbit/s so there is support for third party music streaming and apps such as Tidal, Qobuz and Spotify etc and the ability to download other apps. Apps cannot be downloaded via the Google Play Store but instead must be acquired from third party websites or via Amazon Underground. The reason there's no Google Play according to AR's technical director is:

Officially speaking, Google Play requires GMS and CTS certification.  Built-in GPS is one of key requirements.  That was why Google Play could not be available on M2/M20.  We know that some music players  have carried Google Play.  However, without hardware GPS, that cannot be an authorized implementation of Google Play.  As a US listed company, we cannot infringe intellectual properties in the same way.

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In my opinion this isn't a negative. After all if you're using Android apps you're not taking advantage of the M20's heavily customized OS to bypass the audio limitations inherent in the Android subsystem.

User interface

Anyone who has experience with an Android smartphone should immediately feel right at home with the M20 interface. When powering on the device the first thing you see is some text and model number at the top of the screen with the AR logo at the bottom. This is followed by an animation of the M20 with supported sample rates flying out from the center.

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Once the system has booted you'll see a familiar Androidish lock screen (screen lock can be disabled in the settings). Swipe the screen to unlock just like with any smartphone and the home screen will appear. In its out of the box state the home screen is fairly bare having only a clock, Apps/menu button, AR Player widget and the standard three Android navigation buttons (previous/back, home and running apps).

In the apps menu the only things installed by default are:

1. AR Music Player
2. Browser
3. Clock
4. Downloads
5. File Explorer
6. Search
7. Settings

Navigating the UI is snappy and responsive thanks to the quad core processor. The M20's screen senses touch really well just like a modern phone whether browsing or typing with the on screen keyboard.

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AR Music Player
The Acoustic Research custom music player lies at the heart and soul of the M20 and is the place from where you music is meant to be played. Along the top of the player screen are a number of tabs for music navigation and consist of (from left to right):

1. All
2. Albums
3. Artists
4. Genres
5. Folders
6. Playlist
7. Now Playing

In any of the lists you can tap and hold on an item to show the option menu from where you can select to play the item, add it to a playlist, show its details or delete it.

Below the tabs is where the information or album art is displayed and takes up the majority of the player's screen. Album art looks great by the way in large vivid, colorful images. The one drawback about the now playing screen is that the song title, song information and bit-rate are superimposed over the top left corner of the album art which can be a little untidy and also hard to read if the album cover is a light color.

Under the artwork are the player controls of which there are two rows. The first row contains (from left to right):

1. Settings (Settings, Audio Mode, Sound effects)
2. Favorite
3. Shuffle Mode
4. Repeat Mode

and in the second row are Skip backward, Start/Pause and Skip forward. The sound effects screen has a number of preset EQ settings and a custom user EQ, along with Bass boost and 3D effect.

Overall the AR player is well thought out and very easy to use. What's really great about its implementation is that there is no need to boot into a separate OS to bypass the Android audio path as it's totally integrated. The current firmware version (V1.3.6.0-BT) added gapless playback and I can confirm it works perfectly. I was also informed that there will be an update in the near future adding a music search feature and some other improvements to the AR Player.

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Tidal

For the sake of testing I installed the current version of Tidal (1.15.2.695.2) from a third party website. Everything went smoothly and it works perfectly. Loading time is fast and streaming is flawless on my home WiFi. I downloaded several albums using the Offline Content function and the speeds were very good. Music on Tidal also sounds great despite going through the Android generic audio path but then after all it still utilizes the excellent Burr-Brown DAC.

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Bluetooth

I was able to easily connect via Bluetooth to my Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Brainwavz BLU-200 earphones, Wharfedale Diamond Active and Arcam irDAC-II. Because of the AR Music Players' discrete audio path music cannot be streamed from it but there was no problem playing all my tracks from Tidal, third party music applications like Poweramp or other streaming services like Spotify etc.

Sound

Some readers might find this section a little on the "lite" side after seeing other reviews that wax lyrical about how their DAPs sound with various headphones and IEMs but in my personal opinion that essentially breaks down into a series of mini reviews of those headphones and IEMs... A DAP will have a basic signature (hopefully close to flat) that carries across to whatever you connect to it so while I will cover some pairings below, this section will be a very brief description of how I hear the M20.

Presentation is full-bodied and powerful, smooth and resolving but still remains linear and carries across all the details present in the recording. The dual crystal oscillators with their variable native sample rate tackle any kind of format with apparent ease, rhythmic precision and timing with everything from progressive psytrance to jazz instrumentals and hard rock.

As you can see in the image below the response across the frequency range is flat except for a slight dip at 4k and 6k under load. Whether this is intentional or not I can't say but to my ears there are no details lost as a result.

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Loaded test using the triple hybrid (1DD + 2BA) Moni One IEM which has an impedance of 16 ohms.​

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Pairing (full-sized)

Ultrasone Performance 860 32 ohms

The 680 has a linear signature and it is very resolving for a headphone in its price bracket and with the M20 I was hearing details that I hadn't noticed before on some old tracks that I'm very familiar with. The full-bodied presentation of the M20 really makes this an outstanding match up.

Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 ohm:

The swirling sub-bass in "Lost Whispers (Intro)" by Evanescence is driven along surprisingly well by the M20 and doesn't sound lacking in any other areas either. The specified output power is 16Ω: 228 + 228mW / 32Ω: 130 + 130mW / 300Ω: 15 + 15mW and for my listening I hover around 75-90% volume with the DT990 depending on the recording and my mood. So I'd say the M20 can comfortably push 250 ohm headphones but 300 ohm (HD600) and over might be asking a bit much without additional amplification.

MSUR N650 32 ohm:

MSUR's N650 is a warm sounding headphone so I wasn't sure how this pairing would go. It actually surprised me because it seemed to really lift the treble and bring them to life. Listening to "Jazz at the Pawn Shop" by the Arne Domnerus Group is a real treat with this combination as they seem to have a real synergy going on with oodles of detail and realism.

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From left to right - MSUR N650, Ultrasone Performance 860, Beyerdynamic DT990​

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Pairing (IEMs)

I'm not going to cover these individually but will just state that with all  of the IEMs I've tested with the M20 there was no evident background noise or hiss. It carried over the same characteristics as it did with the full-sized headphones - rich, resolving and full-bodied, like a glass of fine red wine.

IEMs used for testing:

1. LZ A4
2. TFZ Balance 2M
3. Campfire Audio Andromeda
4. Campfire Audio Vega
5. Thinksound ms02
6. Moni One
7. Trinity Audio Phantom Master 4

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Battery

Battery life is listed as 16 hours and I found that to be fairly accurate, though that is 16 hours of actual playback time. I found that if listening to music for 3-4 hours per day the M20 can easily last for several days on a single charge. Turning off WiFi when you're not streaming can eke out even more time. One of the benefits of the M20 is that there's never really a need to actually turn off the device, you can just stop playback and let it sit as you would with a smartphone. When you want to use it again a short press of the power button brings it to life immediately. That's due in part to having a heavily customized Android OS running things because once a lot of those extra features and apps are removed it becomes a very energy efficient platform.

Comparisons:

Regretfully I don't have any other Android based DAPs or anything else in this price range so it seems nugatory to make a comparison with my other gear at this stage. Perhaps this section will be updated at a later date.

Some extra things I would have liked (these aren't cons as such but just things that could make the experience even better and of course it's completely subjective):

1. Primarily a protective case, even the most basic silicone blob would suffice and at this kind of price point it's pretty much expected when buying something of this caliber.
2. An independant line out function for connecting to external devices (the headphone out can be used in most cases but imo isn't ideal)
3. Physical playback buttons so you don't need to turn the screen on to skip/rewind etc.

Conclusion

There are several reasons that non-audiophile or casual listeners are content with using a smartphone for playing their music. With large, high resolution screens, powerful processors, vibrant album art and "pretty good" sound it's all they need.  I've long wished for a source with a similar GUI experience as I get on my phone for browsing and playing music added with the uncompromising audio quality of a dedicated DAP and that's exactly what the AR-M20 delivers with its Android interface and Burr-Brown DAC.

Additionally you can connect via wireless to Bluetooth devices such as external amplifiers or headphones, browse the internet and run streaming applications. Oh and did I mention this thing is gorgeous? The M20 is a great portable device with powerful, transparent and linear presentation and the resulting sound that comes from it is nothing short of exceptional.

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I was never a really big fan of on-ear or supra-aural headphones in the past. They always seemed to be uncomfortable or not offer a proper seal granting the full sound or decent noise isolation. My stance changed when I got the chance to review the Jays u-Jays a while back. They really surprised me with their build quality and balanced sound presentation. So when I had a chance to test the Thinksound On2 I went into it reservedly optimistic but still a little dubious. What happened next? Well anyone with a lick of sense should have an idea already after seeing my final rating but if you want to know how I came to that conclusion then read on friends.
 
About Thinksound
 
According to the Co-Founder and president of Thinksound Aaron Fournier the company was formed

"to make headphones that we would want to listen to; and we’re not easily satisfied."

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Not only that but they also wanted to make their products using Eco-friendly materials which I think is an admirable attribute for any manufacturer and to top it off they offer discounts on future purchases if you send in your old Thinksound product for their recycling initiative.
 
Disclaimer
 
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All observations and opinions here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Thinksound's Aaron Fournier for the opportunity to test the On2.
 
The On2 can be bought directly from Thinksound's website here for $199 USD and comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
 
Thinksound website
 
 
Packaging and accessories
 
What's in the box:

1. On2 headphone
2. Two (2) 4.5’ long detachable cables – (1) with mic control and (1) without
3. Canvas storage pouch
4. User manual

 
The On2 comes is a plain white box that is both simple and elegant. On the front is a nice, detailed image of the headphone along with the product name. Over on the back is another image as well as specifications, accessories and features.
 
Upon removing the outer sheath we're greeted with another plain box made of unbleached cardboard adorned with a single Thinksound logo. Opening this reveals a canvas storage pouch that is useful for transporting or storing the headphones when not in use. Inside the canvas bag are the two provided cables and user manual. Under the canvas pouch sit the On2 headphones in a cardboard inlay, in their folded configuration. First impressions make a difference and the presentation of the On2 is done very well. It's a coherent, practical package with the colors and materials used hinting at the Eco-friendly and earthy nature of the product.
 

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The provided cables are Kevlar reinforced and braided or fabric covered. They're extremely lightweight, tangle resistant and of good quality. The length is perfect for portability at around 1.37 meters and they roll up easily and sit well well in use. There is also very little microphonics present when in use. One of the cables has an inline remote and microphone and both terminate in a straight, 3.5 mm gold-plated plug adorned with the Thinksound logo. These are of really high quality and are some of my favorite headphone cables to date.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation
 
It's immediately apparent the first time you hold it in your hands that the On2 has excellent build quality. The headband is covered in a smooth pleather material with Thinksound stitched onto the top side.  On the underside of the headband is some padding which at first glance looks a little thin but due to the light weight of the headphones and stellar ergonomics the any pressure is evenly distributed across the head and ears. There is a notched adjustment slider on each side and on the right side you'll notice that the inner side of the clamp has a red face. On the outer side of the right clamp is a little red square with an R marking. Both of these obviously indicate the right side and while very easy to see when you're picking up the headphones they're barely noticeable when you're wearing the On2. It's little touches like this that give me warm fuzzy feelings inside as it shows the attention to detail that the designer has given to their work and it adds to the end user's experience.
 

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Moving further down the sides the arms are made of matte black and slightly textured recycled plastic that not only feels durable but leaves no unsightly fingerprints from handling. Onto the ear-cups now which are crafted of wood and feel every bit as good as they look. Each side is engraved with the Thinksound branding but it's tastefully done and actually complements the natural finish of the wood.
 

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The ear pads are the same smooth pleather that adorns the headband. There's a good amount of thickness to them and they're soft to the touch. They do a pretty good job of covering my larger than average ears and after a few days use they softened up even more and now I find them to be really comfortable even during extended listening. They're attached to the headphones by a clever locking tab design and can be attached or removed with a simple twist. Removing the ear pads reveals a steel mesh that covers and protects the driver. Replacement pads can be bought from the Thinksound website so if the original ones get damaged, lost or worn over time they're really easy to replace.
 

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As I hinted at above, the On2 is a very comfortable headphone, especially for a supra-aural design. With its even lightweight distribution, low clamp force and generously thick ear pads I found I can wear these for hours on end very easily. Because the cups are designed to be folded up for storage or transport they have a good range of rotation and tilt so they sort of settle themselves in the optimal position on your ears. The cable adds to the comfort as it is so light and doesn't pull down on the phones while you're wearing them. Thinksound really hit the ergonomics out of the park here.
 
When it comes to noise isolation these do surprisingly well. The pads are big enough to cover large ears and there's enough clamp force to hold them in place and get a decent seal. The natural density of the wood blocks out a good amount of sound making the On2 the perfect companion for a noisy environment or a bus/train ride.
Sound
 
Sources used for testing:
 
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Mrobo C5 V2
Benjie X1
Acoustic Research M20
PC/MusicBeen > Audinst HUD-MX2 > Phatlab Sassy2 > On2
 

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Amping:
 
This is a very easy to drive headphone and will sound great even straight from a budget DAP or mobile phone. I didn't notice any significant benefits from throwing more power at them. Having said that however the On2 does reflect the quality of the source you're using and will shine even more when using a good quality DAP or DAC.
 
Summary:
 
Airy, non-fatiguing, engaging and balanced is how I would sum up the sound of the On2. There's a surprising amount of resolution from these and they pick up minute details even at low volume. They sound great with every genre I task them with showing a great depth and agility across the board.
 
Detail:
 
The On2's bass has had a bit of a boost but doesn't try to wow you and is well controlled which isn't surprising as they're part of the monitor series. There's a reason that wood is one of the most favored materials for speaker cabinets and that's due to its inherent resonance properties and density that gives music a natural timbre (and besides that it looks awesome).  The bass is punchy, fast yet still has a natural sounding decay and a real texture. Kick drums and bass notes have a well defined edge that resonates beautifully in the wooden ear-cups. Sub-bass reaches satisfyingly low levels yet is masterfully balanced within the overall sound spectrum. Simply put the On2 has one of the best tuned basses I've heard in the sub $200 category. There's enough drive to bring EDM and hip-hop to life and it's conservative enough to not become overbearing in rock and acoustic music.
 
In "Frosfall" from The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim OST the On2 shows a rich fullness in the stringed instruments and orchestral voices but still manages to sound uncolored and natural. I wouldn't call the midrange forward but it certainly isn't recessed - again it's that hovering around neutral yet musical balance that the On2 achieves so well.  Vocals sound great on these too with natural tonality and just the right amount of warmth for male voices although there's a very small range in the upper mids that sometimes borders on being a little thin but for the most part I didn't notice unless I was looking for it. There's great instrument separation and spacing within sounds and the small details that sneak into the music continue to surprise me.
 
The treble is another strong point of the On2 bringing just the right amount of liveliness without becoming strident or peaky, however I did notice that in The Pineapple Thief's "The Final Thing on My Mind" the high hats were a little lacking and  the timbre of some of the cymbals sounded a hint off-kilter. This is just nitpicking really as for the majority of music I've listened to they were spot-on and at no point did they display any sibilance and bring enough in the highs to convey excitement.
 
Soundstage is neither particularly wide or narrow but there's a good perception of space in all directions and imaging and positioning are precise. I feel that the ample thickness of the ear-pads help generate some airiness while keeping the imagery accurate.
 

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Comparison
 
On2 vs Jays u-Jays ($119 USD on Amazon):
 
These both have a well balanced sound. The u-Jays are slightly more intimate and mids are a little more forward than those on the On2. The On2 sounds a little more airy, probably because of creating a little more space from the ears due to their thicker ear-pads. Both have remarkable build quality and great comfort with the On2 having the slightest edge in comfort because of its softer padding on the headband. The u-Jays punch well above their price and come very close to directly competing with the On2 when it comes to sound. If you want more forward and intimate mids or looking to spend a bit less then the u-Jays might be right for you and if you want a slightly more neutral sound with an eco-friendly build then the On2 meets those requirements. You can't go wrong with either one.
 

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Conclusion
 
Recently I met up with a good friend of mine in a coffee shop. He's not an audiophile and has only ever bought budget off the shelf earphones. I'm forever boring him with my never ending gushing over my latest IEMs or DAPs. I asked him if he'd like to hear the On2. He acquiesced and since he's a bit of an old-timer and hails from the USA I chose "Hotel California" from The Eagles' Hell Freezes Over as I wanted something he'd definitely be familiar with. When the song was finished he took the headphones off and asked me what the price was. After I'd told him his next words were "Where can I buy some?" This is a true story and will hopefully give the reader some insight on the immediate impact the On2 can have.
 
They're comfortable, compact, portable and have a charming, detailed and clear sound. On top of that they're environmentally friendly and carry a high degree of build quality. For anyone looking at buying an on-ear headphone under $200 I would unreservedly recommend the Thinksound On2.
 

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It seems like almost every day there's another previously unknown Chinese IEM manufacturer popping up from out of the blue. Some of them disappear just as quickly as they arrive. Some quickly become well established and respected names among the community. Enter MEMT, otherwise known as the Department of sound electro-acoustic Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. MEMT was founded in 2014 but until recently was unknown to most on Head-Fi until people got wind of their X5 IEM and that's what we'll be looking at today.
 
Disclaimer
 
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my personal experience with the product. I'd like to thank HotFi Earphone&Headphone for the opportunity to test the MEMT X5.
 
The X5 retails for around $18 and can be purchased from:
HotFi Earphone&Headphone
Product page
 
Specifications

1. Brand: MEMT
2. Model: X5
3. Wire control: Yes
4. Speaker outer diameter: 6mm
5. Frequency range: 20Hz-10000Hz
6. Impedance: 16Ω ± 15%
7. Sensitivity: 100dB ± 3dB
8. Maximum output power: 3mW
9. Total Harmonic Distortion: <0.5% at 20Hz-20000Hz
10. Wire length: 120cm ± 2.5cm
11. Plug: 3.5mm
12. Weight: 15g

 
Packaging and accessories
 
The IEM comes in an attractive sky blue box with a large X5 in silver print on the front. At the bottom is a small window that gives you a view of the earphones inside. It's an above average quality box for something in this price segment. The front flap of the box is secured magnetically and when opened reveals the earphones secured in a sheet of black foam and covered with a sheet of clear, frosted plastic. Sitting above the earphones is another small box containing spare silicone tips and strangely, some spare covers for the plug. The included tips are bi-flange and decent quality but they're all very small. As a result I ended up using some large Spinfit tips to get a proper seal. So the complete package consists of:

1. X5 earphone
2. 3 pairs of bi-flange silicone tips
3. 3 protective plug covers
4. Velcro cable tie

 
So there's not much in the way of accessories but this is reasonable considering the low price of the X5.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation
 
The X5 is available in 3 colors: gold, silver and rose gold/pink. The housings are CNC machined metal and are very small and lightweight. The shape is spherical with a cutout section on the rear left and right sides. There's an angled nozzle for a better fit which tapers down at the point where the ear tips are placed.
These have a quite neat added feature of magnets inside the housing that allow the two sides to stick together which is useful for a couple of reasons. First of all it helps to prevent the cable from getting tangled when not in use. Secondly when you're not using the earphones you can put them behind your neck where they will sit securely so there's no need to keep them in your pocket or bag while you aren't listening. They seem to always connect the right way even if you just slap them together. It's a very clever aspect of the design. Edges are rounded and smooth and the overall appearance and feel is what you'd expect from a more expensive product.
 

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The cable consists of twisted white wires with a clear rubberized coating. It looks pretty classy and feels very durable, even above the Y-split. Strain reliefs at the housings are basic but seem sturdy enough. There are L and R markers on the reliefs but they're very difficult to see even in bright light but this isn't really a problem as the angled nozzles indicate which way they go in your ears. There is a  better strain relief on the plug but none present at the Y-split but it's nothing to cause concern regarding durability. On the right side is a single button control and microphone. The inline control worked perfectly for me on my Android phone for navigating next and previous tracks as well as pause and play. The quality of the microphone is quite good and people had no trouble hearing me during calls. There's the MEMT branding laser etched onto the rear of the inline control and X5 similarly etched on the Y-splitter. The cable terminates in a right angled, gold plated metal plug. Microphonics are a little harsh but can be negated partially by wearing the cable over-ear.
 

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Comfort is excellent due to the IEM's small size, light weight and smooth edges. I can wear the X5 for hours without any discomfort.
Isolation is quite good despite the small size but of course will be largely determined by the quality of seal you get and type of ear-tips used. I get a perfect seal with the large Spinfit tips so for me isolation is decent. These are perfectly suitable for use in noisy environments and in transit though obviously won't isolate as well as a UIEM or CIEM.
 
Sound
 
Sources used for testing:

1. Samsung Galaxy Note 5
2. Acoustic Research M20 (ARM20)
3. Benjie X1
4. PC/MusicBee > Micca OriGen+ (low gain)
5. PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2 > phatlab Audio Sassy2 (low gain)

 
 
Amping:
 
The X5 sounds great from basic smartphones and budget DAPs so amplification is not a necessity. Having said that though, these little gems respond really well when you throw some power at them. From a good DAP or headphone amplifier the bass gains a little extra body and fullness and as you add even more power these things stand their ground without distorting.
 
Summary:
 
When I think about the sound of the X5 certain words come to mind: clarity, impact and refinement. It seems a little strange to me when I read that and think of the $18 price tag attached to these IEMs but these are my honest impressions. I'd describe the overall sound as somewhat L-shaped with elevated bass and closer to neutral mids and treble.
 
Detail:
 
I find the bass to be similarly tuned to several other budget IEMs but it's more defined and controlled. It's punchy, fast and impactful. It is certainly elevated but maintains a good balance in the music and I couldn't detect any bleed into the lower midrange.  Extension is great and the sub-bass can really rumble when called upon, especially when amped. Even at high volume there's no distortion in the bass (or anywhere else). In Norah Jones' "Don't Know Why"  the bass strikes a perfect balance in the song, having a noticeable presence but still letting the vocals come to the forefront. There's a bit of a mid-bass bump that drops off fairly quickly on the way up and doesn't carry over to the lower mids so it sounds tight with sufficient weight with no muddiness in the upper bass notes. These aren't for bassheads but suitable for those who like some extra weight in the low end. It doesn't have the sharpest attack but there is a clean decay. I was able to detect the sub-bass as low as 19hz with a steady incline up to about 100hz before it started tapering off.
 
The X5's midrange is exceptionally clear and clean or uncolored but at the same time it's forgiving and musical. It can be a little too thin and clean at times making vocals feel less rich. This is probably the only area where I feel the X5 doesn't shine. Just a hint more warmth or fullness would be welcome to my ears. Instrument separation and spacing are very good here with clear, well defined edges. In "The Gates of Istanbul" by Loreena McKennitt each instrument is distinct and layered rather than just a wall of sound. Tonality isn't the most natural but going back to the price again it's a valiant effort.
 
Treble has a smooth presentation that sounds crisp but not strident or edgy. Cymbals and hi-hats  have an airiness to them that lifts the sound and there aren't any noticeable peaks to be found. The X5 should be fine for the treble sensitive. If anything it would be the upper mids that can get a little on edge but the treble is a well balanced section of the frequency range and resolves with dexterity. In all it sounds light but doesn't become brittle or piercing.
 
Soundstage is impressive for a micro driver, especially in a housing that's decidedly closed and has very little sound leakage. It's not the most vast but is capable of presenting sounds outside of the headspace and there's a fair amount of depth as well as width. Imaging is also on par giving precise directional and spatial cues.
 

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(From left to right) Brainwavz Jive, MEMT X5, VJJB K4​

 
Comparisons
 
MEMT X5 vs VJJB K4 ($18 USD):
 
The K4 is priced at practically the exact same price point as the X5 so this makes for an interesting match up. The K4 really impressed with with its overall package and has a very well rounded bundle of accessories including several pairs of tips in 2 different styles and bore sizes and a carrying/storage pouch and a Velcro cable tie. Both are well built and very comfortable with the K4 having better strain reliefs and chin slider. The cable on the K4 is more supple and suffers less from microphonics but is more prone to tangling. The two have a similar level of bass but the X5 is more refined while the K4 tends to be a little boomy. The K4's bass also carries over further into the lower mids giving it a warmer and richer sound but as a result it becomes less resolving and at times congested. They both have their merits and both punch above their price in my opinion.
 
MEMT X5 vs Brainwavz Jive ($28 USD):
 
Yes, the Jive is back again for yet another comparison. The reason is that it's still still a top contender in the sub $30 price range in terms of the complete package and sound. The Jive has a better accessory set with several pairs of silicone tips, shirt clip, Velcro cable tie and excellent carry case. When it comes to build quality I'd say they're similar but in terms of overall finish well there's very few that can come close to the Jive. The X5 has a fuller bass and deeper sub-bass than the Jive and in the mids and treble they're quite similarly tuned. They're both overachievers but personally I like the impact from the extra bass of the X5.
 

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Conclusion
 
For a relative newcomer in the market MEMT looks to be going in the right direction. If they keep bringing out more products like the X5 they'll be a real contender in the budget segment. My only real complaint with the X5 is the cable and microphonics. I'd like to see something a little more supple and perhaps better strain reliefs on the housing to reduce cable noise.  The X5 has a clear and energetic sound with a level of refinement not often seen in a sub $20 IEM. In fact I'm having a hard time trying to think of another IEM in the price range that I enjoy as much. I know that MEMT have some new products coming soon to market and I'm quite excited to see what they can do. I believe you should be too.
 

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Brainwavz is a company that should be well known by now to anyone who's familiar with Head-Fi. Known for their excellent build quality and reasonable prices, Brainwavz should always be on your list of manufacturers to keep track of. Today I'll be looking at their recently released B150 single Balanced Armature over ear earphones.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Brainwavz and Pandora for the opportunity to test the B150.

 

Brainwavz Audio
 
Brainwavz store
 
Also available on Amazon
 

Specifications:

1. Drivers : Single Balanced Armature
2. Rated Impedance : 30 Ω
3. Frequency Range : 16 Hz ~ 22 kHz
4. Sensitivity : 105 dB at 1 mW
5. Cable : 1.3 m Y-Cord, Over the ear, OFC Copper
6. Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold plated

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
Brainwavz have gone with a different kind of box compared to what I've seen from them in the past. It's a fairly minimalist design in black with red highlights. I quite like it although it might have been nice to see an image of the IEM somewhere for those who haven't had the opportunity to see pictures online.
Included accessories:
 

1. Earphone Hard case
2. 6 sets of Silicone Ear Tips (S M L)
3. 1 set of Comply™ Foam Tips T-100
4. 1 Shirt Clip
5. Velcro Cable Tie
6. Instruction Manual & Warranty Card (24 month warranty)

 
As always Brainwavz has an excellent accessories bundle full of useful items and devoid of any superfluous fluff. The Brainwavz carry cases are top quality and their elongated shape makes storing IEMs simple.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
The B150 housings are made from a lightweight plastic and designed to be worn over-ear. They have a low profile making them unobtrusive and a wee bit stealthy to wear. The tops of the cable are preformed to fit over the ears and when done right I prefer this over memory wire. Oh and in case you're wondering - yes, these were done right. They hold the IEMs in position perfectly making insertion a breeze and providing a secure fit. Above the Y-splitter the cable is similar to the usual Brainwavz style of rubber coated OFC. The Y-splitter itself is well implemented and has excellent strain relief as well as a cable cinch/chin slider. Below the Y the cable is twisted and again rubber coated and it feels quite slick, sturdy and manageable. Where the cables connect to the housing there is good strain relief again, just as there is on the gold-plated, angled 3.5 mm plug. Unlike many of the Brainwavz IEMs the B150 does not have an inline control or microphone which doesn't bother me as I always use IEMs with a DAP anyway.
Are they comfortable?  You bet they are. Just like the B100 the B150 give me a superb and excessively comfortable fit. The ergonomics are outstanding. Noise isolation is slightly above average due to the fit and shape of the IEMs and these are great for noisy environments or in transit.
 

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Sound:
 
Sources:
 
FiiO X1ii
Benjie X1
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2
 
The B150 is super easy to drive and doesn't require amping but of course will perform its best with a good DAP or DAC/Amp.
 
Soundstage isn't one of the B150's strengths, it being a little narrow but thankfully there's an airy lightness that gives you a sense of space and prevents things from feeling too intimate. Resolution and separation are really good and keep congestion at bay. The sound is sprightly and coherent with gobs of detail.
 
Bass is fast and tight as you would expect from a BA but it's also well rounded and has a fullness to it. There's enough impact present to make you take notice, even with EDM and bass driven music it doesn't feel lacking. Emphasis is more on mid-bass rather than the sub-bass but the B150 still has plenty of extension down below. In "2100" from the Rock The Jewels 3 album the bass drives the song along effortlessly and brings some rumble to boot.
 
The midrange is the standout feature of the B150, being forward and rich but still maintaining good separation and resolution. There's plenty of warmth throughout but the details remain intact allowing the listener to hear separate elements within the music easily. Vocals get the syrupy treatment here as well, both male and female voices come across smooth and lush with accurate tonality and realism.
 
Treble is well extended and clear, adding a lightness and sparkle to the presentation. It's very smooth and doesn't have any unwanted peaks or harsh roll-off. Even treble sensitive folks should be able to enjoy the highs here and at the same time hear the  small details that come along with it. It's the icing on the cake, displaying real technical ability and refinement.
 
Comparison:
 
B150 vs Brainwavz B100 ($59.50 USD):
 
The two sound very similar with just a slight shift in frequency response between them and their construction, materials and accessories are identical. I'd say the B100 is a little more lively where the B150 is a little warmer with emphasis on mid-bass and lower midrange. Very difficult to pick a winner when it comes to sound as I find both shine in different genres (although both do well with all kinds of music). Yet the B100 is around half the price of the B150. Don't get me wrong, I still think the B150 is worth the asking price but you'd have to be looking for a very specific sound signature to make it seem practical to buy it over the B100. I think for the extra cost Brainwavz should give the B150 a detachable cable or metallic paint finish - something to justify the extra cost over it's direct in-house competition.
 
Conclusion:
 
So does the B150 deserve a place in your collection? Let's see. Well comfort is ballstothewall, crazy good. The housings are lightweight and exquisitely shaped offering one of the best fits I've ever had with an IEM. Sound is balanced with smooth transients throughout the dynamic range, rich, warm and non-fatiguing. Build quality is good and there's the excellent standard set of Brainwavz accessories and their exemplary 24 month warranty.  Regardless of that, the Brainwavz B150 is a stellar performer that along with the B100 has really made me a fan of single balanced armature IEMs and dispelled many of the myths I had associated with them in the past. You owe it to yourself to give these a listen.
 

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Accutone is a company that specializes in hands-free communications solutions but they've taken their experience and expertise and used it to create a series of consumer earphones. From their website:

"Accutone Audio is about music, and our love of music has pushed us to build products that remove the barriers between the musicians and their audience. Continuing our corporate motto of "Clearer Communication Brings People Closer", our audio products are able to do just that by delivering exceptionally accurate audio output, just as our beloved artists envisioned."

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Today I'll be looking at Accutone's Gemini HD earphone. Here's what Accutone has to say about it:

The Gemini HD is the state-of-the-art headphone from Accutone, both in terms of build and audio quality.

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Does it live up to the claims? Follow me to find out.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Angus from Accutone for the opportunity to test the Gemini HD.
 
Accutone online store
 
Product page
 
Specifications:
 

Housing	Stainless steel
Driver Unit	8mm beryllium dynamic driver
Frequenzy range	20Hz-22kHz
Sensitivity	103dB
Impedance	20Ohm
Weight	15 g
Cable length	1.3m

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
Wrapped around the box is a cardboard sheath with a nice image of the earphones on the front as well as the Accutone branding at the top left and at the bottom is some text listing various features, such as Stainless Steel, Audio Tuning Nozzles and beryllium speakers. Over on the back we see a single earphone and three tunable filters. It's a classy shot and looks great but might be a little misleading as none of the filters are actually silver in color.
 
Underneath the cardboard is a large white, leatherette covered box the same as the one included with the Pisces BA and similar to the kind that you often get when you purchase a wristwatch. It's a nice touch for sure but kind of makes you wonder how much lower the price would be had they used something a little less extravagant. More on that later. Let's crack this baby open. When you open the box you're presented with the earphones and spare filters held securely in a grey foam. This type of experience is something that Accutone does well and it makes you feel that you've just revealed something worthy of the big white box. On the underside of the foam is a cable winder that keeps things neat and also prevents the cable from being kinked when you first take it out of the box.
 
Underneath the first layer of foam is Accutones's standard carrying case, though this time in white as it was with the Pisces BA. Also present are some spare Comply tips, a card explaining the basic purpose of the different nozzles and a user manual. Okay stop right there. $129 and you provide 2 pairs of Comply tips, neither of which fit my ears? As I alluded to earlier, although I enjoy the experience of revealing the big white box it's not enough to make the overall package feel complete. When you can go to somewhere like AliExpress and find a set of 12 pairs of various size tips for as low as a dollar I feel a bit deflated when presented with a single pair of spare Comply to accompany relatively expensive earphones.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
Built completely from stainless steel and recyclable aluminum the Gemini HD look and feel great. Yes, they're a little heavier than average but some of my favorite IEMs are weighty metal monsters (KZ ED9, TFZ Balance 2M). These look really nice, from the stainless steel of the main housing to the chrome covered rear with its long stem. On the rear of the IEMs is the Accutone logo. Everything feels solid and durability should not be a concern with these.
 
From the bottom of the chrome covered stem comes the white cable, the same one provided with the Pisces BA albeit this one is non-detachable. At the top of the cable is a red and blue marker denoting Right and Left respectively. This is a welcome change from the many recent IEMs that have no markings or ones that are near impossible to see. The cable is quite nice. It's fairly supple yet sturdy and doesn't have memory so there are no unsightly kinks or that annoying 'bounciness' that some cables have. On the right side above the Y-splitter is the inline control and microphone. Unfortunately it's the same as the one found on the Pisces BA and Taurus models which has very sharp edges on either side of the central button which continually get snagged on shirt collars. Strain reliefs seem fairly good overall. The cable terminates in an L-shaped plug.
 
The tuning nozzles are aluminium and have the same polished finish as the rest of the IEMs. They're well machined and very easy to thread when inserting or removing. Occasionally the nozzles would get loose but after I gave them an extra bit of force in the twist they stayed in place and haven't become loose since.
 
I find these to be very comfortable for extended periods because of the standard shape and smooth finish. They can be worn over-ear or cable down as desired though going over-ear will significantly reduce any microphonics. Isolation is above average for this style IEM probably due to there being no visible vents/ports on the housing anywhere. Fortunately there isn't any driver flex or pressurized feeling that some sealed IEMs cause.
 

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Sound:
 
Sources used:
 
FiiO X1ii
Benjie X1
PC/MusicBee > Micca Origen+ > Gemini HD
PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2 > Gemini HD
 
On average these took a couple bumps of extra volume to reach my desired listening levels compared to some of my other IEMs but they're not particularly hard to drive. I found they worked well with everything and don't need an amplifier to shine but a clean source makes a difference.
 
Tuning nozzles:
 
There are several tunable IEMs available at present so I'll just briefly cover the nozzles here rather than cause confusion comparing them all. Keep in mind the HD has it's own unchanging sound and the nozzles slightly modify some aspects of that but the underlying characteristics remain. There are 3 nozzles, each having a slightly different presentation:

1. Blue (Clear)
2. Green (Balance)
3. Red (Warm)

 
It's fairly clear from the labels what these are intended to do and from my experience they do as advertised. I tried them all and ended up using the Green (Balance) nozzles and the sound with those is what I'll be describing below.
 
Overall sound is full-bodied, smooth and non-fatiguing. Fairly balanced with a bit of warmth added to the bass and lower mids. Soundstage isn't huge but there's great depth and imaging is very good providing an accurate picture of positioning.
 
Bass is north of neutral but not overly exaggerated or boomy. It has quite an impact but doesn't suffer from mid-bass bloat. Kick drums are nicely etched but not raw and the quantity is executed really nicely, somehow giving that sense of impact without intruding upon everything else. Sub-bass is great too, digging deep but staying controlled due to the hardness of the steel housing I suspect. Bass guitars also have a good edge to them and again that sense of weight without bluster. Very satisfying. Listening to "The Night Subscriber" from Katatonia's The Fall of Hearts the Gemini HD was able to keep pace gracefully during the busy drum sections.
 
Midrange is full-bodied and clear with a touch of added warmth. The green filters had the best presentation here for my preference. Vocals are silky smooth, rich and engaging with no perceptible coloring or veil. Listening to "I Am Light" by India.Arie  is like drifting down a smooth chocolate river on a marshmallow. The lower-mids have enough warmth and body in them to give orchestral music fullness and string instruments some tasty resonance.
 
Now onto the last of the holy trinity, the treble. Treble is clear and accurate though it's toned down a bit but compliments the smooth approach of the Gemini HD's other frequencies. This means that the treble is non-fatiguing but still adds some shimmer and airiness. Cymbals have a natural timbre and decay and I didn't detect any sibilance coming through even in bright J-Pop tracks.
 
Comparison:
 
Gemini HD vs SHOZY Zero ($60 USD):
 
These two IEMs sound quite similar actually. Bass has similar levels on both but the Gemini HD has slightly more impact on mid-bass. Treble is also close here between them, both being fairly even without any harshness. It's the midrange where these differ to my ears. The Gemini HD has slightly fuller mids and makes vocals come across more smoothly. When it comes to comfort the Zero comes out in front due to it's lighter weight, smaller size and rounded back. The Zero comes with a decent selection or ear-tips whilst the gemini comes with only Comply tips. The cable of the Gemini HD is much nicer, being more supple, less rubbery and easier to manage.
 
Gemini HD vs TFZ Balance 2M ($195 USD):
 
The first thing I noticed was that the Balance 2M requires significantly lower gain to reach the same volume as the Gemini HD ie: the 2M is easier to drive. Sub-bass on the 2M has more presence, giving a deeper and more visceral impact. In the midrange the 2M makes the Gemini HD sound a little veiled in comparison. The TFZ has remarkably clean and sweet mids. For comfort they're both equally as good but the Gemini HD gets the nod for being more convenient if you're taking the IEMs in and out a lot. The accessories that came with the TFZ were absolutely great and made for a very rewarding unboxing where the Gemini HD left me feeling underwhelmed with what was included. The cable on the Accutone is much easier to manage than the tangly copper one provided with the TFZ.
 

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Conclusion:
 
The Gemini HD is a beautifully crafted IEM. The all stainless steel and aluminium build gives it a premium feel and nice weight. The included accessories while sparse are top quality and offer a unique unboxing experience. There are a few tunable IEMs going around at the moment but not all of them are as effective or well executed as Accutone's offering. The sound is full-bodied and smooth, perfect for long periods of listening. These aren't targeted at analytical listeners but for people who simply want to enjoy their music the way they like it. For a single dynamic they offer a good balance of earthy bass, fairly forward midrange and relaxed treble. While the accessories are lacking there can be no doubt regarding the quality of the actual earphones. The Gemini HD is currently listed at $119 USD and to me that's a pretty good deal.
 

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Way back in 1932 Gilbert Briggs built his very first loudspeaker in the cellar of his home near the river "Wharfe" in an area now known as "Wharfedale". 70 years on and Wharfedale is known worldwide for producing quality audio equipment. They built the world's first two-way loudspeaker in 1945 and have many more innovative achievements under their belt. In 1981 the Wharfedale Diamond was born and took the world by storm. There have been numerous successive models, each one introducing a new technology or material which brings us to today's review. I'll be looking at the new Wharfedale Diamond Active A1 - an "innovative, convenient wireless technology with an award-winning loudspeaker formula". Let's get started.

Preamble:

My computer serves as my main source for electronic entertainment while I'm at home. I store my entire music collection on the PC, regularly watch YouTube and movies, stream music with Pandora or RadioTunes via JRiver and play games. So obviously it's important for me to have a decent sound system connected to the PC. This usually consists of a DAC/headphone amplifier connected via USB and a pair of powered monitors connected to a DAC. Headphones are for at night, when someone is watching TV in the living room or there are people about whom I don't want to annoy with whatever I'm listening to. When I'm at home alone or when I won't be disturbing anyone else I like to use speakers. When I had the chance to test the Diamond Active A1 I figured they'd be perfect (bordering on overkill but you know us audio freaks) for my desktop which also happens to be in my medium-large sized living room.

Disclaimer:

This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Wharfedale and Thanit from HiFi Tower for the opportunity to test the Diamond Active A1.

HiFi Tower

Wharfedale Product page

Packaging and accessories:

The A1 comes in two separate boxes, one containing the Hub and the other are the speakers. Both of the boxes are brown cardboard with blue accents and vector images displaying the contents. First let's take a look at the Hub box. Upon opening we're presented with the user manual on top and everything else seated securely in black foam. The contents include:

1. Diamond H1 Hub
2. Power adapter
3. 3 pin plug adapter
4. Remote control
5. 2 x AA batteries
6. User manual
7. Quick Start guide

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Moving on to the second box, once again we find everything very securely packed in black foam. Inside are:

1. Diamond A1 speakers (pair boxed together)
2. User manual
3. 2 x Power cables
4. 2 x White cotton gloves

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I found the inclusion of the gloves unusual and almost comical. Presumably they're there to handle the Hub which is a smooth, glossy fingerprint magnet. While it was a bit strange it also gives you the impression that the box contents are something of value that deserve to be handled with care and a hint of reverence. So anyway, after I put on the gloves - my setup process was significantly delayed whilst I danced to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" in front of the mirror and followed that with a session of miming.

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After my recent experience with the Edifier R1700BT it was a surprise to find that there weren't any audio/data cables included in the package. I guess the manufacturers assume that you either have the necessary cables at home already or still have enough money leftover after your purchase to buy them separately. The inclusion of a USB, SPDIF or RCA cable would have been appreciated.

Build and appearance:

Speakers:
The speakers are immediately recognizable as part of the Diamond series by silver-colored driver surrounds and the two separate circular mesh covers in place of the more common single cover that most speakers are adorned with. The cabinets have rounded edges that lend a touch of modernity and offer a welcome change from the usual box shape. They're finished with a black leatherette covering that looks sleek and feels premium to the touch. It also prevents the speakers from getting covered in fingerprints. The front baffles come in two colors - white and black with a high-gloss finish. The dimensions of the speakers are 315mm X 186mm X 220mm.

Removing the mesh covers reveals the 130 mm woven Kevlar mid/bass cones and 25 mm fabric dome tweeter. According to Wharfedale's website:

"The cones incorporate semi-elliptical ‘break-up’ areas, which smooth the response throughout the audible range".

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Additionally the tweeter sits in a waveguide around the diaphragm to augment dispersion. Inside the cabinets is a sophisticated crossover network and 50W amplifier for a combined output of 100W for the pair.[/color]

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On the back of each speaker are:

1. Dual rear-firing reflex ports
2. DC 24V power input
3. Pair button (for connecting wirelessly to the HUB)
4. Micro USB update port
5. Balance Sync button
6. Bass adjustment switch (-/+ 6dB)
7. Speaker mode select switch (Left, mono, Right)
8. Power switch

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Hub:
The HUB is square shaped and is small enough to sit unobtrusively on your desktop or TV cabinet. It's finished in the same high-gloss finish as the speaker baffles. Surrounding the touch controls on the top is a silver-colored surround identical to those on the speakers. In fact it's identical in size to the surround on the tweeter. Obviously someone has put a lot of thought into the design here as it's very clear that it's a complete system and not just separate components bundled together.

On the front is Wharfedale's branding and the IR receiver. On the back (from left to right) are:

1. RCA analogue input
2. Optical input
3. Coaxial input
4. Micro USB update port
5. DC 12V power input

On the topside of the unit are the touch sensitive controls with 4 buttons: On/Off, Menu, Plus and Minus. In the middle of the touch buttons is the HUB's display screen. Underneath the unit are 4 rubber feet to keep it in place and to protect the surface the HUB is sitting on.

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Remote:
The remote is constructed from plastic and here we can see again Wharfedale's exemplary attention to detail as it's a matte black finish with high-gloss accents that tie in seamlessly with the HUB and speakers. It's powered by 2 AA batteries and has rubber buttons. At the top is the power button. In the middle is an OK button surrounded by a 4 button directional pad with Plus,Minus, Left and Right. The Plus and Minus adjusts the volume in normal operation or works along with the Left and Right buttons for navigating through the menu in setup mode. Above and below the D-pad are the input select buttons for the 4 different input methods: Auxiliary, Optical, Bluetooth and Coaxial. Finally at the bottom are the Menu and Mute buttons. The layout and functions are simple, yet intuitive and very easy to use.

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Setup:

The first thing you need to do is position the speakers and plug them into the mains and turn them on. When you do this the LED on the back of the speaker will flash slowly indicating that it's not paired to the Hub. At this point you should use the Left/Mono/Right switch to configure your speakers. Select Left or Right for normal stereo setup or Mono if they're positioned in an unconventional way. *Note that the speakers can be placed up to 20 meters from the Hub so there's really no limitation on how you could position them. Okay, so next you plug your source into the Hub and connect it to the mains. You'll see a red LED on the right side of the unit indicating it's in Standby mode. Turn the Hub on using the touch button or the remote then enter the Menu and navigate to the "Speakers" screen. Press Ok to enter pairing mode. Once in pairing mode simply press the pair button on the back of each speaker and within a few seconds it will connect to the Hub and you're all set. I probably made this sound more difficult than it is but the directions in the user manual are really easy to follow.

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Operation:

Once setup is completed the actual operation is very simple. When you press the On/Off button the Hub comes out of standby and the Wharfedale logo appears on the screen for a few seconds. After that the selected input is displayed on the screen. You just select the input using the touch controls or the remote and that's all there is to it. You can have up to 3 sources plugged in simultaneously and there is also Bluetooth though of course you can only listen to a single input at any time. All the available operations can be done with the touch controls or remote but I generally found the remote to be the most convenient.

The Hub transmits the left and right audio signals to the appropriate speakers via uncompressed wireless transmission on the 5.8GHz frequency band avoiding the more common 2.4GHz to ensure there's no interference. The wireless module is also able to switch between frequencies automatically if necessary so there should never be any problems with interference from other devices.

The Hub:
The display on the Hub is clear and easy to see even in daylight and the software's response is snappy with no input lag. The touch buttons on the Hub respond equally as well as when using the remote.

Here are the various menu settings:

1. Speakers (shows "Connected" or "Not connected")
2. Balance (set the speaker balance depending on placement)
3. Brightness (set the display brightness)
4. Display Delay (Always on, 1 minute, 30 seconds (default) and 15 seconds)
5. Auto Standby (always on (default) or 20 minutes)
6. Factory Reset
7. Update (used to update system firmware)
8. Firmware (shows the system's current firmware version)

Pairing with Bluetooth is a breeze. Just select Bluetooth input with touch controls or remote then scan for devices with your source. The Hub will show as "Diamond A" in the found devices and takes just a few seconds to pair. It worked flawlessly with my Samsung Galaxy Note 5 but continued to fail with the FiiO X1ii which is known to have flaky Bluetooth in the current firmware version. The Diamond Active system supports the AptX codec for superior quality Bluetooth audio.

Regardless of the input method there was no signs of audio degradation whatsoever when using the Diamond Actives. On the Wharfedale website it says:

"Additionally, the DAC is built around a high performance 24bit chipset delivering a CD-like quality from all devices."

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which means you can play high resolution files without sacrificing audio quality.

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Sound:

Sources:
Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (Bluetooth)
PC/Gigabyte Z170X Gaming 7 - Sound Blaster Recon3Di SPDIF-Out > A1 Hub Optical-In
FiiO X1ii - Line Out > A1 Hub RCA (Auxiliary)-In

For my testing I had the bass set to 0dB or +6dB depending on my music choice or mood. The speakers were placed on my desktop about 1.5 meters apart and roughly 30 cm from the rear wall. Unless the speakers are in a difficult to reach position adjusting the bass takes just seconds to flick the switch. For the most part the A1 speakers are quite neutral across the frequency range with no emphasis on any particular part of the sound, almost reference level. The cabinets feel very solid and this helps keep any distortion at a minimum. These things can produce a big sound and I'm not talking about boosted frequencies, I'm talking SPL muscle. They can really blast out sound at loud volumes thanks to the 50W amplifier in each unit. They certainly have enough gusto to fill a large room without breaking a sweat and depending on proximity could entertain or annoy your neighbors to boot.

Imaging is very good making these speakers great not only for music but an excellent companion for gaming and movies.

Bass is very well controlled and on the default 0dB setting is quite linear without any noticeable elevation. Even on +6dB it remains on the safe side and never really lets loose. That's not to say it feels lacking or anemic though as with proper placement you certainly can feel its presence. The Kevlar driver doesn't cause any bleed into the midrange even when set to +6dB its well contained. Sub-bass gets its rumble on in a good way and digs pretty deep but there's always that sense of refinement rather than all out party mode. It's a more mature kind of tuning but occasionally makes you wish it would just let its hair down and go a bit wild.

When it comes to midrange the A1 is all about clarity. Vocals and instrument details come through very clearly and well articulated. Personally I would have liked a little more body and warmth in the mids but that's just personal preference and of course if overdone could sacrifice the aforementioned clarity. The mids are leaning towards bright but not to the extent where they become uncomfortable or intrusive.

The treble is also clear with great extension. There isn't any noticeable roll-off and high notes have great texture and pizzazz. Treble isn't splashy and cymbals shimmer with accurate timbre adding a sense of air and space. There was some sibilance present in the track I use for testing it, (Utada Hikaru's "Traveling") but I know that it's already in the track and if it ain't' there then there's some manipulation going on. The trick is to reveal it but in a way that isn't distracting or unpleasant and the A1 pulls this off convincingly.

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Conclusion:

The Diamond Active A1 is a solid and versatile performer from Wharfedale. It's not cheap (currently £599 on Amazon) but for your money you get a pair of great sounding speakers plus the added utility of the Hub. The Hub can be physically connected to 3 different sources (2 digital and 1 analog) and then there's Bluetooth on top of that. This is great for those who don't have an A/V receiver or DAC and it has an easily manageable, relatively small footprint. The wireless aspect also adds convenience by allowing you to place the speakers anywhere you like as long as they're within 20 meters of the Hub. The stylish pleather covering and rounded edges give the speakers a classical look with a modern touch and should complement whatever decor is around them. I really can't think of any cons with these except maybe the price and lack of audio cables but I believe the Hub and wireless connectivity add a lot of value to the package. They have a lively, clean sound and enough power to fill a large room. If you're looking for desktop speakers or a small but powerful home theater setup then the Wharfedale Diamond Active A1 should not be overlooked.

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Brainwavz is a company that should be well known by now to anyone who's familiar with Head-Fi. Known for their excellent build quality and reasonable prices, Brainwavz should always be on your list of manufacturers to keep track of. Today I'll be looking at their recently released B100 single Balanced Armature over ear earphones.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Brainwavz and Pandora for the opportunity to test the B100.
 
*Note that this is the pre-release version of the B100. The sound tuning is final but the release version will have an upgraded cable, black ear-tips and more polished physical finish.
 
Brainwavz website
 
Product page

 

Specifications:

1. Drivers : Single Balanced Armature
2. Rated Impedance : 50 Ω
3. Frequency Range : 15 Hz ~ 22 kHz
4. Sensitivity : 110 dB at 1 mW
5. Cable : 1.3 m Y-Cord, Over the ear, OFC Copper
6. Plug : 3.5 mm, Gold plated

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The B100 comes with the usual array of accessories that Brainwavz provides with each release including:
 

1. Earphone Hard case
2. 6 sets of Silicone Ear Tips (S M L)
3. 1 set of Comply Foam Tips T-100
4. 1 Shirt Clip
5. Velcro Cable Tie
6. Instruction Manual & Warranty Card (24 month warranty)

 
*Because this is the pre-production version the earphones did not come in retail packaging.
 
The Brainwavz carry cases are above average quality and I have always liked them a lot. This case is elongated and has ample room for the earphones and provided accessories. Brainwavz is one of the few manufacturers whose Large ear-tips are actually large enough for my ears and for that I'm eternally grateful. It's just as well too because the B100 has very slender nozzles which could make tip rolling a bit tricky. Fortunately the included tips are very good and give me a perfect seal. The tips on the production model will actually be black.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
The B100 IEMs are a small, lightweight plastic in the form of a conch type shape. At first glance I thought it might be difficult regarding fit but I couldn't have been more wrong. This is an extremely comfortable IEM that slips into my ears as though it was custom made just for me. The angle of the nozzle and cable connections are perfect (again for me) and I can easily forget I'm wearing earphones. This is by far the most comfortable over-ear IEM in my collection (along with the B150 which has the same housing).
 
The cable is rubberized, similar to previous Brainwavz models but this one is twisted below the Y-splitter which seems to have made it more supple/manageable and it feels of a higher quality too. There's a chin-slider above the Y-splitter which can be used to get a more secure fit. Strain reliefs are excellent from top to bottom, offering good protection against wear. The cable terminates in a 45 degree angled plug that has a convex curve on it and makes it very easy to grip when removing the plug. The top few inches of the cables have a plastic sheath and are preformed to fit over your ears and again Brainwavz seems to have nailed it with this aspect as it's super secure and comfortable at the same time.
 
With a proper seal from the ear-tips and the shape of the IEMs the noise isolation is above average for my ears and blocks out a good deal of outside noise.
 

 
Sound:
 
Sources:
 
PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2
FiiO X1ii
Benjie X1
Galaxy Note 5
 
This single BA sounded great from all the sources I tested and in my opinion does not need amping. Even the Galaxy Note 5 pairs well with the B100 and was able to provide a clear and detailed sound at a good level where many other IEMs require near maximum volume and come out a little muddy from this device.
 
Bass is somewhat light but I wouldn't say it's thin as it has great texture with a cheeky dose of punch.  The quality of the bass is really very good. It's fast and accurate and deceptively full-bodied for a single BA driver. I usually have preference for elevated bass, particularly in the sub-bass regions but strangely I don't feel that I miss it when listening to the B100. There's some kind of voodoo crafted into this IEM that brings life and fullness out of a bass that is presented at a rather mature and conservative level. Mid-bass is a little reduced in quantity which really brings out the edge in kick drums and then there's a sub-bass that's ever so slightly emphasized with good extension and capable of bringing a bit of subtle rumble into the mix.
 
The midrange of this B100 maintains the balanced approach that it does with its bass with a touch of added warmth. Detail and separation are impressive and don't show any signs of congestion. There's clarity aplenty with crisp, well defined notes throughout. The B100 tackles all genres with ease from the energetic pace of NWA's "100 Miles and Runnin'" to the velvety smooth "Your Love is King" by Sade, though in the latter the vocals are presented slightly behind the percussion instruments. Natural tones abound and is another area where this IEM excels.
 
Treble has a liveliness and sense of air about it but never gets strident or fatiguing. It's energetic but smooth at the same time and I haven't experienced any piercing highs during my time with the B100.
 
Soundstage is not the most vast out there but it's not too shabby at all and never feels confined or too intimate. It can give the impression of an open space when called upon and can fairly accurately lay out the position of elements within the music.
 
Comparison:
 
B100 vs Brainwavz B150 ($109 USD):
 
Physically these two are identical and also very similar when it comes to their sound. The treble of the B100 has a little more extension giving it a hint more energy while the B150 has less treble and more body in the midrange. Bass on both is similar again though the B150 has a little extra tilt towards the mid-bass giving it an overall impression of more fullness and darker sound (though both have excellent detail and separation). Given that these are so similar if I were to make a recommendation it would be for the B100 unless you absolutely want that extra bit of girth in the lower mids.
 
Conclusion:
 
The B100 really surprised me with its sound presentation as I was expecting something more analytical but in fact its very musical and welcoming. Another wonderment was how incredibly comfortable it is. Its easy to forget you're wearing earphones and to get lost in the music. Its super light weight and preformed cable ends (not memory wire) work in harmony with the shape to practically disappear in your ears. Unless you're a basshead and "need" that extra weighted low end, for the asking price of $59.50 I wouldn't hesitate recommending these to anyone after a detailed and engaging IEM. This should be on your wish list.
 

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Hidizs is a Chinese company and was founded early in 2009. They're mostly known for their DAPS but seem to be venturing into other areas as well. In Jan 2014, Hidizs’ first pocket HiFi audio player AP100 was officially launched at CES, Les Vegas. Today I'll be reviewing the Hidizs EP-3. Read on to learn more.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This sample was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I’m not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I’d like to thank Penon Audio for the opportunity to test the EP-3..
 
Penon Audio website
 
Hidizs EP-3 at Penon Audio
 
Specifications:
 

1. Earphone cavity: Resin alloy ( PC + ABS )
2. Drive type : 10mm dynamic driver
3. Frequency range : 20 -30000HZ
4. Impedance : 16Ω
5. Sensitivity : 106dB
6. Max output:10mw
7. Cord Length:1.2m
8. Core material: Kevlar core of conductor encased by TPE
9. Headphone plug:3 . 5 mm Gold-plated plug
10. Weight : 159g

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The EP-3 comes in a plain but stylish black box, similar to that of the EX-01 which I recently reviewed here. On the front is the easily recognizable Hidizs logo and an image of the IEM in purple. They also come in black and white colors and the one I received is black. On the back are some specifications and a list of the package contents which includes:
 

1. EP-3 IEM
2. 3 pairs of silicone ear tips
3. Carry case

 

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Once you open the box you're presented front and center with the IEMs secured in black foam in typical, classy Hidizs fashion. At the bottom is a cardboard box containing the tips and underneath the foam is the Hidizs carry case which I find to be the perfect size for convenience. It's small enough to fit in your pocket but there's still ample room for the earphones inside.
 

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Build, fit and isolation:
 
When I first saw these I couldn't help but think that they look remarkably similar to the new BA IEMs from Brainwavz. They're almost exactly the same shape but the Hidizs is noticeably larger. The casing is translucent so in good light you can see the driver inside. These are a lightweight, over-ear design so are perfect for mobility.
 
The nozzles are thinner than average meaning you might be a bit limited for choice of ear-tips. The provided tips were all too small for me and had some trouble finding some that fit because of the narrow nozzle.
 
The cable is non-detachable and is a rubberized type common with most budget IEMs. The strain reliefs are present and should do a good job of protecting the cable in the case of accidental tugs etc. There's a single button inline control with microphone that worked well with my FiiO X1ii and smartphone. The cable terminates in a straight 3.5 mm plug which is metallic and very smooth which makes removing it from your device a little tricky as it can be pretty slippery to get a hold of. It retains memory so still has kinks in it after weeks of use and never really sits straight or flat and tends to bounce around and look a bit messy.
 
Comfort-wise they're not bad as they're light weight and don't have any sharp edges but for some reason I can never get a stable fit with them, probably due to the angle of the nozzle or the angle the cable comes out at. For isolation I found these to be below average for this type of over-ear style with elongated shell but they block enough noise to be used in noisy environments.

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Sound:
 
Sources:
 
FiiO X1ii
PC/MusicBee > Micca OriGen+
PC/JRiver Media Center > JDS Labs The Element
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
 
The EP-3 is easy to drive and I did not notice any real benefit from amping but despite its 16 ohm impedance and 106dB sensitivity I found I had to bump the volume up pretty high to reach my normal listening level. The best pairing for me was the Note 5 because of its inherent warm sound.
 
The sound is very neutral across the board, with no emphasis on any particular frequency with slightly recessed mids and non-fatiguing presentation.
 
The bass is very fast with a short decay but has very little weight to it. Kick drums have a well defined edge and texture but they never really give a sense of 'thump' and although I dislike bloated mid-bass, for my personal preference there's not enough of it here to drive the music along. Sub-bass has a little more emphasis and extends well but I find myself wishing that carried over a little more to the mid-bass. Because of its neutrality the bass does not cause any bleed into the midrange.
 
Midrange is neutral again  with perhaps the slightest hint of added warmth. As a result the details are fairly good, as is instrument separation but sometimes it feels like they lack body and musicality. Male vocals occasionally sound thin and the lower mids fail to stimulate the senses due to their dryness but the clarity is there and tonality sounds fairly natural.
 
At the top end is a well extended but smooth treble that is fairly relaxed and non-fatiguing. There was no sign of sibilance and I could listen to the EP-3 for extended periods without any discomfort. There's a hint of airiness to the treble but not any energizing sparkle to be found. Timbre is on par with cymbals and chimes sounding accurate and lifelike.
 
Soundstage is neither particularly wide or deep but there is a sense of space that's consistent with what you'd expect from IEMs in this price range.
 

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Comparisons:
 
EP-3 vs Hidizs EX-01 ($35 USD):
 
The EX-01 is a very small IEM with angled nozzles that for me is very comfortable and easy to get a good fit with. Physically the EX-01 looks and feels more premium with its gold accents and glossy ceramic finish. The cable on the EX-01 also seems slightly more supple though it still has that "bouncy" element to it. The biggest difference in the sound is the bass which is very light on the EP-3 but plays a big part in the sound of the EX-01. For build and comfort the EX-01 is superior but when it comes to sound it comes down to personal preference and would depend if you want something with a good dose of bass or prefer to go for a neutral presentation.
 
EP-3 vs Brainwavz Jive ($28 USD):
 
Physically the EP-3 can't compete with the Jive with it's aluminium casing and sterling aesthetic finish. Accessories included are more generous with the Jive though there's not a great deal in difference between the two. Personally I find the Jive much easier to wear and get a good seal due to its standard shape. When it comes to sound I feel the EP-3 comes off as too flat sounding and not a very exciting listen but it could appeal to those looking for absolute neutrality. The Jive has a more V-shaped sound but as a result has a fuller bass and more extended treble with more warmth overall. For sound the winner would depend on your own preferences but I think that for build quality and comfort the Jive definitely has superiority here.
 
Conclusion:
 
The Hidizs EP-3 is a competent earphone with a more mature kind of presentation which is balanced and neutral without the usual emphasis on bass that you find in the majority of budget IEMs. It's a lightweight over-ear design which is ideal for mobility and things like walking or using at the gym and comfortable for long periods. I'd like to see Hidizs improve their cables a bit by making them a little more supple so they sit flat and I'd also be happy to see them start including regular style larger silicone tips for compatibility with more ear shapes. The bottom line is if you want a neutral, balanced sounding earphone then the EP-3 can be found for as low as $32 and is worth taking a look at.
 

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Accutone is a company that specializes in hands-free communications solutions but they've taken their experience and expertise and used it to create a series of consumer earphones. From their website:

"Accutone Audio is about music, and our love of music has pushed us to build products that remove the barriers between the musicians and their audience. Continuing our corporate motto of "Clearer Communication Brings People Closer", our audio products are able to do just that by delivering exceptionally accurate audio output, just as our beloved artists envisioned."

Click to expand...

 
Today I'll be looking at Accutone's flagship earphone the Pisces BA hybrid.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I'd like to thank Angus from Accutone for the opportunity to test the Pisces BA.
 
Accutone online store
 
Product page
 
Specifications:
 
Hybrid Unit Model: Knowles WBFK
Hybrid Sensitivity (dB/SPL): 101 +/- 3dB SPL; 1kHz
Impedance: 32Ω
Frequency Range (Hz): 20-22kHz
Cable Length: 1.3m
Noise Isolation: 26dB
 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The moment you see the box it's immediately apparent that this is a high-end or flagship offering. The exterior is a clear plastic box with a cardboard insert wrapped around a large storage case. On the front is a nice, clear image of the earphones with the Accutone branding at the top left and in large bold print at the bottom "FOR AUDIOPHILE". On the back is another image again showing the earphones along with the inline control.
 

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Upon opening the package the first thing you'll notice is the lovely white leatherette case which is remarkably similar to those you get when buying a quality wristwatch. When you open it up you see the earphones firmly seated in a layer of grey foam, lifted up slightly to showcase the earphone's design. The earphone's come equipped with a pair of Comply tips. It's the sort of presentation that I haven't experienced before and it's very pleasing and enticing at the same time, giving an impression that you've just uncovered something rather special.
 
Lifting out the foam insert reveals the cable neatly coiled around a cutout ensuring that it's not kinked or tangled. Finally at the bottom is the standard Accutone pleather carry case, this time in a pristine white color along with a small bag containing a spare pair of Comply foam tips, warranty card and "Birth Certificate" card that shows your earphone's unique frequency response - an interesting and novel inclusion. After a quick glance at the Birth Certificate I thought surely this must be a mistake. But I digress, more on that later. Here is when I got my initial pang of disappointment because I've had plenty of experience with Comply tips and have yet to find any that fit my large ear canals. So I looked in the box again to make sure there wasn't another bag containing silicone tips but alas...nothing. What? You're kidding me right? I would once again need to go to my personal stash of oversize tips to get a fit and seal. Suddenly the premium unboxing experience had started to turn sour for me because when you look at what is actually provided there's not much to it at all.
 

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Build, comfort and isolation:
 
The Pisces BA is a unique looking earphone, there's no doubt about that. The nozzle and casing is a nicely machined and polished, high quality aluminium. Attached to the housing is a long, white, curved stem at the bottom of which is Accutone's proprietary MMCX connector. I touched on the connector briefly in my review of the Taurus but I'll talk about it again here. I actually really like these connectors. They're much easier to attach and disconnect than the standard connectors yet they feel just as secure, have a nice audible click when you plug them in and they rotate freely. Brilliant. It's clear from the packaging and aesthetics that the Pisces BA is trying to make a statement. There's no sign of any Right and Left indicators and this is something that infuriates me every time I find them absent.
 

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The cable is white to match the curved stems of  the earphones. I quite like the look and feel of this cable. It's soft and malleable and does not feel sticky or unruly and microphonics are fairly minimal. The strain reliefs are all small and feel a little bit stiff but they appear as though they should be effective for everyday use. There's a 3-button inline control with microphone which is unfortunately the same as the one found on the Taurus model. It feels a little cheap though the buttons are responsive with solid clicks. What I really don't like about it is the very sharp edges on either side of the middle button which at any given opportunity will snag on shirt buttons and collars when you turn or move your head.
 
Using my own ear-tips I find these fairly comfortable to wear and isolation is average for this style of earphone so they do a decent job of blocking external noise and are suitable for use outdoors or in transit. Because the MMCX rotate these can be worn over-ear or cable down but due to the stems I found cable down to be more practical.
 

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Sound:
 
Sources:
 
FiiO X1ii
Benjie K9
PC/JRiver Media Center > JDS Labs The Element
 
The Pisces BA are fairly easy to drive and worked well with all the sources I tried while remaining consistent in their sound output so I don't believe amplification is necessary and any modern smartphone or digital player is adequate for use.
 
After seeing the frequency response curve during the unboxing I didn't know what to expect in regards to the sound. Well actually I did kind of know what to expect but I was desperately hoping that there was an error in the graph or that it didn't represent the true sound. Well within seconds of listening I knew that the curve was accurate and as a result I personally would not get much enjoyment from these. The sound makes me think of taut piano wires, trips to the dentist and the subsequent drilling of teeth. Yes, this is what I would call a treble cannon.
 

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At first I thought my pair were defective as I had read earlier reviews from other members whose opinions I trust and respect because they were describing a full, weighted bass while mine had next to none. Looking at the Birth Certificates in other reviews I noticed that they were sitting somewhere around 106-108dBSPL while mine were 93-95dBSPL. I contacted the company to ask if my unit was defective but they told me that the Pisces BA were designed so that every one has a unique frequency response. In theory I thought it was an interesting concept to have slight variations on a general sound signature but a 15dBSPL difference in bass response is by no means slight. It's an entirely different earphone. Let's continue...
 
Bass is fast and well controlled in general. Obviously with the unit I received there's no bleed into the mids because there's just not enough quantity to infringe upon any other frequencies. The little bit I do hear actually extends very well and the sub-bass can dig deep.
 
Midrange brings lots of clarity and has a somewhat airy presentation. The lower mids are a bit recessed, especially when compared to the upper mids which are well forward so naturally these are better for female vocals, leaving male voices sounding a little thin. Detail and tonality are very good throughout and the sound is very clean and uncluttered but I would certainly appreciate some additional body in the lower mids.
 
These have treble. Lots of treble. In fact it dominates the entire presentation, at least in the unit I have. Having said that it's a reasonably smooth sounding treble which adds to the sense of airiness. It's fairly even without any noticeable peaks or dips although in "Traveling" by Utada Hikaru there was some sibilance present. If it were balanced out with some bass I'd probably find it considerably pleasing.
The Pisces BA has a reasonably large soundstage with good imaging. I feel this is partly enhanced by the exceptional clarity throughout the dynamic range.  In Mathias Eick's Midwest the percussion instruments are projected well outside of the head-space which is always impressive to hear from an IEM.
 

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Comparison:
 
Pisces BA vs LZ A4 ($195 USD):
 
In terms of comfort the Pisces BA comes out slightly ahead due to its uniform rounded housing which doesn't have any edges to press against your ears. When it comes to resolution the Pisces BA comes out slightly ahead with its exceptional clarity, separation and sanitized cleanliness. Where the A4 shines is in its smooth and relaxed presentation and organic naturalness that makes it so easy to listen to and is loaded with musicality, not to mention its wide range of customization options with various filter combinations. When it comes to accessories the A4 is very generous while Accutone's offering is sparse in comparison.
 
Conclusion:
 
I feel a real sense of missed opportunity with this IEM. It shows a lot of technical ability and sonic precision which could have been great if not for the massive imbalance in the frequency curve. There's just not enough weight in the low frequencies to balance out the sound and it becomes a "treble cannon". What it does it does extremely well with agility and finesse and I find myself being envious of other reviewers who received a "bass enabled" version. Accutone tells me that variations in the frequency response is intended and not accidental or due to poor quality control. They wanted to make each unit unique which is not a bad idea but it's apparent that these variations can be enormous to say the least.  On their website it says

"The clean, sharp and detailed trebles from Knowles BA plus the natural, firm and powerful bass of a traditional dynamic speaker"

Click to expand...

 

Click to expand...

Sorry the bass on the unit I have is anemic and diminutive. There's also no mention of the variations at all on their website which I feel is misleading. When buying in this price range I think most people would like to have a firm idea of what it is they will be getting but with differences of up to 15dBSPL it's more like a very expensive lucky draw and you could end up with either a bass monster or screaming treble banshee.
 
In this mid-fi price range I would also expect a more generous set of accessories. The ones you do get are of a high quality but they're seriously lacking in quantity. I'd like to see some silicone tips included at the least. I've no doubt that other variations of the Pisces BA would be stellar in terms of audio quality but I genuinely feel that for the asking price of almost $400 USD it's quite a gamble if you don't know what sort of frequency curve you'll pull out of the hat.
 

 
 
There are a few brands that could be considered a powerhouse in the world of audio and headphones and beyerdynamic is without a doubt one of them. beyerdynamic has been family owned since its founding in 1924 and are regarded as one of the best when it comes to headphones. The original T5p was released way back in 2010 and was a fully closed, portable headphone with Tesla technology. Today I'll be doing my review of the current tour with the beyerdynamic T5p 2nd generation, a 32 ohm, closed-back designed for use at home or on the go.
 

Disclaimer:

 
This product was loaned to me as part of a Southeast Asian tour for the purpose of an honest review. All opinions and observations are my own, based on my experience with the product. I’d like to thank Peak Fusion for the opportunity to test the Amiron Home. Special thanks go out to Mateen, Kamal and Jannavie for making this review possible.
 
Peak Fusion website
 
beyerdynamic product page
 
T1 2nd gen on Amazon
 

Specifications:

[size=inherit] Transmission type   Wired Headphone design (operating principle)   Closed Headphone impedance   32 ohms Headphone frequency response   5 – 50,000 Hz Nominal sound pressure level   102 dB Remote   Without Remote Construction   Circumaural (around the ear) Cable & plug   1.40 straight cable (double-sided), OCC 7N copper, textile braided, 3.5 mm jack plug with 6.35 mm jack adapter Net weight without packaging   350 g

[/size]  

Packaging and accessories:

 
In a typically styled beyerdynamic box comes the T5p 2nd gen. Open that up and just like with the T1 2nd, some may be disappointed to find a fabric covered, portable carry case in place of the great aluminium one that housed the original.
 
 
Once opened we find the headphones,  1.4 meter textile braided cable and a 6.35 mm screw--on adapter. The unboxing was bittersweet as I was underwhelmed by the accessories but at the same time it meant I could get straight to listening. The cable is much more manageable than the 3 meter version that comes with the T1 but it's still a big old chunky thing which doesn't shout "portable" when you feel its girth and weight. It is however of a high quality and is resistant to tangling.
 
 
 
 

Build, comfort and isolation:

 
 
The T5p 2nd gen is constructed very similarly to the original but there have been some changes, most notably pleather on the headband in place of the original's leather and now the cable is detachable. There have also been some tweaks to the sound tuning which the company claims is

"now an even more solid sound and a balanced, first-class listening experience"

Click to expand...

 

Click to expand...

There's no denying that the classic yet modern styling of this headphone is timeless just like its predecessor as it still looks absolutely gorgeous. Taking it out of the carrying case for the first time was like lifting a precious piece of treasure from a pirate's chest. It feels as good as it looks with its robust materials and components that were handcrafted in Germany. It's extremely comfortable with just enough clamp force to keep them in place without mashing your skull. The pleather covered ear-pads are a generously thick and super comfy memory foam. The T5p has angled drivers, similar to the T1. This is to enhance the soundstage but because they're non-centric there's ample room for your ears so they don't come in contact with the hard plastic baffles. The company is obviously confident in the build quality of these because they offer a generous 5-year warranty.
 

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Isolation is good as you'd expect from a closed-back design. Sound can still get through but once the music starts you can easily become lost in your own little world and become oblivious to your immediate surroundings.
 

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Sound:

 

Sources:

 
PC/MusicBee > Audinst HUD-MX2 > T5p
Shinrico D3S > Arcam irDAC-ii > T5p
FiiO X1ii
XDuoo X2
 
Because they're just 32 ohms these don't really need amping but obviously you'll get a better result using a good DAP or headphone amplifier but a smartphone can happily power these.
 

Music used for testing (all flac files):

 
Katatonia - Night is the New Day
Run the Jewels - Run the Jewels 3
Usher - My Way
Storm Corrosion - Storm Corrosion (Special Edition)
 

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For a closed set these have a brilliant soundstage that is spacious and wide with a vivid sense of 3d positioning and imaging. Just like with the T1 and Amiron Home I was surprised with the warmth that the T5P brings. That's not to say they're dark but...words escape me. For some reason I'm thinking of a nice hot meal on a cold winter's day. All the flavor,heat and texture is there and it's welcoming, enticing and comforting. You want to wrap your hands around it and savor the experience.  Okay enough with the bad analogies, let's move on.
 
Bass is slightly elevated, as with the T1 but it's just a slight boost and is still what I would consider balanced. There's plenty of punch and texture that's extremely well controlled and there's no bleed into the lower mids. Bass extension is great but I personally would have liked just a touch more quantity in the sub-bass regions for some added rumble in things like "The Vagabond" from The Witcher 3 - Wild Hunt official soundtrack. That's my personal preference though, as it stands the lows are spectacular. Mid bass is not super fast but has a natural decay that makes it sound organic and natural.
 
The midrange is the star of the show again here being rich and detailed without sounding too forward. Instrument separation is superb as is resolution and detail. Male and female vocals are treated to natural, rich tonality. Everything from the pure, high notes of Marjana Semkina of iamthemorning from their Lighthouse album to the deep, gravely voice of Rory Graham (Rag'n'Bone Man) in "Disfigured" on his Disfigured EP are beautifully reproduced and loaded with emotion. Lower mids have some added warmth which gives them some body but they're still startlingly clear yet smooth at the same time.
 
Treble also has a smooth approach that extends really well. It's crisp and detailed with a light airiness and without any harsh peaks so it's also non-fatiguing and perfect for lengthy listening sessions. It's similar to that found on the T1 2nd gen and Amiron Home. It seems that beyerdynamic has gone for an overall smoother approach with their latest offerings which I for one am very appreciative of. That's not to say they can't be analytical because if you listen for them, the details are all still present.
 

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Comparisons:

 

T5p 2nd gen vs beyerdynamic T1 2nd gen ($1,199) USD:

 
Physically the T5p is very similar to the T1 all the way down to the cups. Both headbands share the same materials and characteristics but the T5p has the slightest extra bit of clamping force which makes sense since they're designed to be portable so you're more likely to be moving around with them. You can tell that beyerdynamic's engineers put a lot of thought into the entire design process that goes further than just optimizing the sound. Unlike the T1 the T5p is a closed back system so they lose some of the airiness and soundstage in comparison. They both share angled, decentralized drivers to improve the soundstage but because of its semi-open traits the T1 comes out ahead in this department though the T5p is still impressive for a closed set. The ear-pads are different too with the T5p having pleather covers in place of the T1's velour which means they get warmer on your ears but also improve isolation and reduce sound leakage. These two headphones share a similar bass signature that is slightly north of neutral with the T5p having a slightly crisper edge. I find near equal pleasure from both of these headphones and for me personally were I to buy either it would be a tough decision as you have the semi-open benefits of the T1 coupled with its demand for serious amplification vs the T5p's versatility which allows you to pair it with almost any source without sacrificing quality and use it on the move.
 

T5p 2nd gen vs beyerdynamic Amiron Home ($599 USD):

 
Designed for portable use the cups on the T5p are smaller than those on the Amiron Home which means for some with large ears they might not be as comfortable. Because they're a closed design the T5p don't have the same sense of air yet they still have an impressive soundstage. Being just 32 ohms the T5p are much easier to drive and can be driven from a phone or budget DAP. The Amiron Home sounds a bit more balanced, while the T5p has a bit more weight and sharper edge to its bass and just a little more energy in the treble. Just like the T1, the T5p are not as relaxed as the Amiron but that's probably better when you're on the move. The Amiron Home is a super comfortable and slightly more relaxed presentation and at 250 ohms need amplification to sound their best. Apart from sonic differences other considerations would be semi-open vs closed back design. If you have a quiet environment and don't need to worry about sound leakage the Amiron Home is truly luxurious but if you ever want to leave your listening chair the T5p offers more versatility.
 

Conclusion:

 
Visually stunning, versatile, comfortable, balanced, resolving, 5-year warranty. Do I need to say more? In case you haven't noticed, I like this a lot. In the past if someone had suggested I pay over $1000 for a closed-back, 32 ohm headphone I wouldn't have taken them very seriously. After my time with the T5p however I totally get it. In fact these are now on my wishlist and I find the thought of life without them a little saddening. The fact that you can unplug them from your high powered headphone amplifier and stick them straight into a budget DAP is a huge bonus but of course the biggest draw is the great sound. If you're looking for a TOTL closed phone, definitely consider the T5p.
 

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In a continuation of the recent trend where there's been a flurry of budget Asian DAP releases there is another new one on the market in the form of the Mrobo C5.  Mrobo is a company that was previously unknown to me and so far I've been able to find little information except that they appear to  have started out making portable voice recorders. Today I'll be taking a look at the Mrobo C5 Digital Audio Player that boasts a good sound and battery life. The C5 currently retails for around $32. Read on to see if it delivers and deserves to be part of your portable rig.
 
Disclaimer:
 
This product was sent to me for the purpose of an honest review. I’m not affiliated with the company and all opinions and observations here are my own, based on my experience with the product. I’d like to thank Penon Audio for the opportunity to test the Mrobo C5.
 
Penon Audio website
 
mrobo c5 on Penon
 

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Specification:
 

1. Screen: 1.8inch 128 * 16
2. Signal to noise ratio:> = 96dB
3. Play time: about 60 hours
4. Standing time: about 300 hours
5. Audio formats: MP3.WMA, WAV, APE, FLAC, ACC, OGG
6. Size : 86*54*14mm
7. Weight: 145g

 
Supported formats:
 

1. WMA: 96 KHz/24bit
2. FLAC: 192 kHz/24bit
3. OGG: 48 kHz/16bit
4. ACC: 48 KHz/16Bit
5. APE: 192 kHz/24bit
6. MP3: 24 KHz/16bit
7. ALAC: 192 KHz/24bit
8. WAV: 192 kHz/64bit
9. AIFF: 48 kHz/16bit

 
Packaging and accessories:
 
The C5 comes in a simple retail box that for some reason doesn't have any images of the great looking player on it at all. Inside we find an accessory box, underneath which is the player itself.
 

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Accessories include a USB charge/transfer cable, complimentary earbuds, warranty card and a user manual. The included earbuds look great at first but it turns out they're probably the worst I have ever used. They're made of a cheap feeling plastic with very sharp edges and they sound awful.
 

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Build:
 
Upon removing the player from the box, first impressions are very positive. It feels solid, is very heavy and doesn't have any loose buttons or rattles. On the left side are (from top to bottom) a button lock, reset button, micro SD slot and USB port.
 

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The right side contains (from top to bottom): Volume Up, Volume Down and  the A/B playback button. The A/B button basically lets you sample a section of a file and loop it, handy for language learning but not much else.
 

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On the front are the rest of the goodies. At top is the 1.8 inch TFT screen with a resolution of 128x160. Then there's the Back, Forward, Play/Pause and Menu buttons. Finally there's a rotary control wheel in the bottom right corner. The buttons are plastic but have a nice, tactile click and aren't loose. The rotary wheel is solid metal and moves in incremented bumps with audible clicks. 
 

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At the bottom are (from left to right): Headphone output and microphone input. Overall the build quality feels high quality and very robust. Fantastic.
 

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User Interface and operation:
 
To turn the player on you simply hold the Play button for 2 seconds after which you'll be greeted with a Welcome screen followed by the Now Playing screen. Boot time is very fast, about 2-3 seconds. The now playing screen unfortunately does not display album art but includes (from top to bottom):
 

1. Track title
2. Artist
3. Play/repeat mode
4. Album
5. Track time (current position)
6. Track number/Total tracks
7. Track length
8. Progress bar

 

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Above the progress bar is a fake peak meter that moves when music is playing but does not display any real measurements (strangely though this DOES work properly when recording). From this screen you can skip tracks with either the Previous and Forward buttons or the rotary wheel. Pressing the Menu button takes you to the Now Playing options which are:
 

1. Play mode
2. Equaliser
3. Variable speed playback

 

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*The variable speed playback function does not seem to work as far as I can tell.
 
What's unfortunate here is that from the Now Playing screen there's no way to go back to the current directory folder apart from the long method which goes like this: Long press the Menu button to go back to the root level menu > Choose "Folder View" > navigate to the Folder View of the current playing song. So for example if you're listening to track 7 of an album and you want to go back to track 2 you either need to use the Previous button (5 presses with short pause in between) or use the rotary wheel and include the short pauses again. Very inconvenient. That's really my only gripe with navigation as everything else works as you'd expect it to.
 
A long press on the Menu button takes you to the top level menu. This is a feature I appreciate and found missing on the NiNTAUS X10. Here are the root menu options and sub-categories (*I've only gone to the third level because, well....I just don't have the time or space to do it all):
 

Set (settings)​	Save position​	Flash TF ​
Sleep timer​	Off Set sleep timer ​
Display settings​	Backlight timer Screensaver ​
Date and time​	Time settings Date settings ​
Language​	​
Tools​	Alarm Password set Stopwatch ​
Information​	Disk space TF Card space ​
Format device​	​
Factory settings​	​
Recordings​	Start voice recording​	​
Recordings library​	​
Record settings​	Record format Set rec bitrate Record from Set recording scene Tarck AVR mode Monitor switch Record subsection Auto record ​
Music​	All songs Artists Albums Genres ​	​
Video​	​	​
Pictures​	​	​
Ebook​	​	​
Foldier view​	​	​

 

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I find it strange that the device can view pictures but does not include album art on the Now Playing screen...

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The Equalizer has 8 settings which are:
 

1. Off​
2. Rock​
3. Funk​
4. Hip-Hop​
5. Jazz​
6. Classical​
7. Techno​
8. Custom​

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The UI is fast and responsive. When you press a button something happens immediately, unlike some more expensive players (looking at you again FiiO X1ii). Everything is set out quite well and is easy to find except for one thing which took me a good 20 minutes to figure out. To switch the Folder View from on-board memory to the micro SD card you need to go to Settings > Save position. This was implemented much better on the Benjie K9 where the top level of the Folder View enabled you to choose between the two. Moving around in the menus can be done either with the Previous/Forward buttons or rotary wheel, the latter is great for scrolling through long lists.
 
The lock function disables all buttons including the volume. It would be nice to be able to choose leaving the volume buttons unlocked but with a player at such a low cost as this compromises have to be made so you can't expect too much.
 
In the Recording options you can really see Mrobo's background and heritage in voice recording but personally for a device that's marketed primarily as a music player I'd prefer they left the recording functions out altogether and focus on the music.
 
Marketing pictures claim that the player supports 24 bit and DSD playback but both of those are unsupported and as far as I know Mrobo does not have any plans to release firmware updates to rectify this.
 
Battery life:
 
I'll keep this part brief. Battery life is exceptional. After a full charge I played flac files on repeat at a moderate volume and it kept going for 2 days nonstop. The battery gave out sometime while I was at work but I estimate it was at somewhere between 40-50 hours. Impressive.
 

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Sound:
 
This was the most disappointing area of the C5 for me. On the default sound setting (EQ off) music lacks body and has drastically reduced bass. The sound is resolving, detailed and clear but it's just too far from transparent and doesn't sound right. This can be improved with some heavy use of the custom EQ but that shouldn't be necessary to achieve a reference sound. Personally I just left it on the Rock preset which to my ears sounded a lot closer to how it should. Most of the other niggles could probably be overlooked by Head-Fiers but at the end of the day, we're here for quality music reproduction and the C5 falls short in this department. It's immediately apparent and your first thought will likely be something like "What happened to the bass?"
 

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To summarize:
 
The good:

1. Clear display​
2. Fast boot time​
3. Responsive UI​
4. Battery​
5. Build quality​
6. Clear, resolving sound​

 
The bad:

1. Does not support 24 bit or DSD files.
2. Does not display album art
3. Default EQ setting sucks the body and low end out of the sound

 

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Conclusion:
 
The C5 looked so promising at the start. The moment you pick it up it feels much more premium than you'd expect given it's low price. Quality materials in a very nicely machined, solid metal case with crisp, tactile buttons and a decent screen. When you tell the UI to jump it immediately asks "How high?" with enthusiasm. Then the holes start to show. No 24 bit or DSD playback. A default setting that drastically alters the sound. No album art. Some of these things could possibly be corrected with a firmware update but the impression I got from talking to Mrobo was that they do not plan to release any future versions of the software. Quite a shame really, this could have been a winner but in the end I would not recommend it.

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